Female anime names in English. Everything about real Japanese names: from spelling to meaning

A Japanese name (人名 jinmei?) these days usually consists of a family name (surname) followed by a personal name. This is a very common practice in Eastern and South-East Asia, including for Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai and some other cultures.

Names are usually written using kanji, which can have many different pronunciations in different cases.

Modern Japanese names can be compared to names in many other cultures. All Japanese have a single surname and a single given name without a patronymic, with the exception of the Japanese imperial family, whose members do not have a surname.

In Japan, the surname comes first, and then the given name. At the same time, in Western languages ​​(often also in Russian), Japanese names are written in the reverse order first name - last name - according to European tradition.

Names in Japan are often created independently from existing characters, so the country has a huge number of unique names. Surnames are more traditional and most often go back to place names. There are significantly more first names in Japanese than surnames. Male and female names differ due to their characteristic components and structure. Reading Japanese proper names is one of the most difficult parts of the Japanese language.

Using the tables below you can see how preferences have changed when choosing names over the past almost 100 years:

Popular names for boys

Year/Place 1 2 3 4 5

1915 Kiyoshi Saburou Shigeru Masao Tadashi

1925 Kiyoshi Shigeru Isamu Saburou Hiroshi

1935 Hiroshi Kiyoshi Isamu Minoru Susumu

1945 Masaru Isamu Susumu Kiyoshi Katsutoshi

1955 Takashi Makoto Shigeru Osamu Yutaka

1965 Makoto Hiroshi Osamu Naoki Tetsuya

1975 Makoto Daisuke Manabu Tsuyoshi Naoki

1985 Daisuke Takuya Naoki Kenta Kazuya

1995 Takuya Kenta Shouta Tsubasa Daiki

2000 Shou Shouta Daiki Yuuto Takumi

Popular names for girls

Year/Place 1 2 3 4 5

1915 Chiyo Chiyoko Fumiko Shizuko Kiyo

1925 Sachiko Fumiko Miyoko Hirsako Yoshiko

1935 Kazuko Sachiko Setsuko Hiroko Hisako

1945 Kazuko Sachiko Youko Setsuko Hiroko

1955 Youko Keiko Kyouko Sachiko Kazuko

1965 Akemi Mayumi Yumiko Keiko Kumiko

1975 Kumiko Yuuko Mayumi Tomoko Youko

1985 Ai Mai Mami Megumi Kaori

1995 Misaki Ai Haruka Kana Mai

2000 Sakura Yuuka Misaki Natsuki Nanami

Ai - F - Love

Aiko - F - Favorite child

Akako - F - Red

Akane - F - Sparkling red

Akemi - F - Dazzlingly beautiful

Akeno - M - Clear morning

Aki - F - Born in autumn

Akiko - F - Autumn child

Akina – F – Spring flower

Akio - M - Handsome

Akira - M - Smart, quick-witted

Akiyama - M - Autumn, mountain

Amaya - F - Night rain

Ami - F - Friend

Amida - M - Name of Buddha

Anda - F - Met in the field

Aneko - F - Older sister

Anzu - F - Apricot

Arata - M - Inexperienced

Arisu - F - Japanese. form of the name Alice

Asuka – F – Scent of Tomorrow

Ayame - F - Iris

Azarni – F – Thistle flower

Benjiro - M - Enjoying the World

Botan - M - Peony

Chika - F - Wisdom

Chikako - F - Child of Wisdom

Chinatsu - F - Thousand Years

Chiyo - F - Eternity

Chizu - F - Thousand storks (implies longevity)

Cho - F - Butterfly

Dai - M/F - Great

Daichi - M - Great First Son

Daiki - M - Great Tree

Daisuke - M - Great Help

Etsu - F - Delightful, charming

Etsuko - F - Delightful child

Fudo - M - God of fire and wisdom

Fujita – M/F – Field, meadow

Gin - F - Silver

Goro - M - Fifth Son

Hana - F - Flower

Hanako - F - Flower Child

Haru - M - Born in spring

Haruka - F - Distant

Haruko - F - Spring

Hachiro - M - Eighth Son

Hideaki - M - Brilliant, excellent

Hikaru – M/F – Light, shining

Hide - F - Fertile

Hiroko - F - Generous

Hiroshi - M - Generous

Hitomi - F - Doubly beautiful

Hoshi - F - Star

Hotaka - M - Name of a mountain in Japan

Hotaru - F - Firefly

Ichiro - M - First son

Ima - F - Gift

Isami - M - Courage

Ishi - F - Stone

Izanami - F - Attractive

Izumi - F - Fountain

Jiro - M - Second Son

Joben - M - Loving cleanliness

Jomei - M - Bringing Light

Junko - F - Pure child

Juro - M - Tenth Son

Kado - M - Gate

Kaede - F - Maple leaf

Kagami - F - Mirror

Kameko - F - Turtle Child (symbol of longevity)

Kanaye - M - Diligent

Kano - M - God of Water

Kasumi - F - Fog

Katashi - M - Hardness

Katsu - M - Victory

Katsuo - M - Victorious Child

Katsuro - M - Victorious Son

Kazuki - M - Joyful World

Kazuko - F - Cheerful child

Kazuo - M - Dear son

Kei - F - Respectful

Keiko - F - Adored

Keitaro - M - Blessed One

Ken - M - Big Man

Ken`ichi - M - Strong first son

Kenji - M - Strong second son

Kenshin - M - Heart of the Sword

Kenta – M – Healthy and brave

Kichi - F - Lucky

Kichiro - M - Lucky Son

Kiku - F - Chrysanthemum

Kimiko - F - Child of noble blood

Kin - M - Golden

Kioko - F - Happy child

Kisho - M - Having a head on his shoulders

Kita - F - North

Kiyoko - F - Clean

Kiyoshi - M - Quiet

Kohaku – M/F – Amber

Kohana - F - Small flower

Koko - F - Stork

Koto - F - Japanese. musical instrument "koto"

Kotone - F - Sound of koto

Kumiko - F - Forever beautiful

Kuri - F - Chestnut

Kuro - M - Ninth Son

Kyo - M - Agreement (or red)

Kyoko - F - Mirror

Leiko - F - Arrogant

Machi - F - Ten thousand years

Machiko - F - Lucky child

Maeko - F - Honest child

Maemi - F - Sincere smile

Mai - F - Bright

Makoto - M - Sincere

Mamiko - F - Child Mami

Mamoru - M - Earth

Manami – F – Beauty of love

Mariko - F - Child of Truth

Marise – M/F – Infinite

Masa – M/F – Straightforward (person)

Masakazu - M - First son of Masa

Mashiro - M - Wide

Matsu - F - Pine

Mayako - F - Child Maya

Mayoko - F - Child Mayo

Mayuko - F - Child Mayu

Michi - F - Fair

Michie - F - Gracefully hanging flower

Michiko - F - Beautiful and wise

Michio - M - A man with the strength of three thousand

Midori - F - Green

Mihoko - F - Child Miho

Mika – F – New moon

Miki – M/F – Stem

Mikio – M – Three woven trees

Mina - F - South

Minako - F - Beautiful child

Mine - F - Brave Defender

Minoru - M - Seed

Misaki – F – The Bloom of Beauty

Mitsuko - F - Child of Light

Miya - F - Three arrows

Miyako – F – Beautiful child of March

Mizuki – F – Beautiful Moon

Momoko - F - Child Peach

Montaro - M - Big Guy

Moriko - F - Child of the Forest

Morio - M - Forest boy

Mura - F - Village

Mutsuko - F - Child Mutsu

Nahoko - F - Child Naho

Nami - F - Wave

Namiko - F - Child of the Waves

Nana - F - Apple

Naoko - F - Obedient child

Naomi – F – “First of all, beauty”

Nara - F - Oak

Nariko - F - Sissy

Natsuko - F - Summer child

Natsumi – F – Wonderful summer

Nayoko - F - Baby Nayo

Nibori - M - Famous

Nikki – M/F – Two trees

Nikko - M - Daylight

Nori - F - Law

Noriko - F - Child of the Law

Nozomi - F - Nadezhda

Nyoko - F - Gemstone

Oki - F - Middle of the Ocean

Orino – F – Peasant meadow

Osamu - M - Firmness of the Law

Rafu - M - Network

Rai - F - Truth

Raidon - M - God of Thunder

Ran - F - Water lily

Rei - F - Gratitude

Reiko - F - Gratitude

Ren - F - Water lily

Renjiro - M - Honest

Renzo - M - Third Son

Riko - F - Child of Jasmine

Rin - F - Unfriendly

Rinji - M - Peaceful Forest

Rini - F - Little bunny

Risako - F - Child Risa

Ritsuko - F - Child Ritsu

Roka - M - White wave crest

Rokuro - M - Sixth Son

Ronin - M - Samurai without a master

Rumiko - F - Child Rumi

Ruri - F - Emerald

Ryo - M - Excellent

Ryoichi - M - First son of Ryo

Ryoko - F - Child Ryo

Ryota - M - Strong (fat)

Ryozo - M - Third son of Ryo

Ryuichi - M - First son of Ryu

Ryuu - M - Dragon

Saburo - M - Third Son

Sachi - F - Happiness

Sachiko - F - Child of Happiness

Sachio - M - Fortunately born

Saeko - F - Child Sae

Saki - F - Cape (geographical)

Sakiko - F - Child Saki

Sakuko - F - Child Saku

Sakura – F – Cherry blossoms

Sanako - F - Child Sana

Sango - F - Coral

Saniiro - M - Wonderful

Satu - F - Sugar

Sayuri - F - Little lily

Seiichi - M - Sei's first son

Sen - M - Spirit of the Tree

Shichiro - M - Seventh Son

Shika - F - Deer

Shima - M - Islander

Shina - F - Decent

Shinichi - M - First son of Shin

Shiro - M - Fourth Son

Shizuka - F - Quiet

Sho - M - Prosperity

Sora - F - Sky

Sorano - F - Heavenly

Suki - F - Favorite

Suma - F - Asking

Sumi - F - Purified (religious)

Susumi - M - Moving forward (successful)

Suzu - F - Bell (bell)

Suzume - F - Sparrow

Tadao - M - Helpful

Taka - F - Noble

Takako - F - Tall child

Takara - F - Treasure

Takashi - M - Famous

Takehiko - M - Bamboo Prince

Takeo - M - Bamboo-like

Takeshi - M - Bamboo tree or brave

Takumi - M - Craftsman

Tama – M/F – Gemstone

Tamiko - F - Child of Abundance

Tani - F - From the valley (child)

Taro - M - Firstborn

Taura - F - Many lakes; many rivers

Teijo - M - Fair

Tomeo - M - Cautious person

Tomiko - F - Child of Wealth

Tora - F - Tigress

Torio - M - Bird's tail

Toru - M - Sea

Toshi - F - Mirror image

Toshiro - M - Talented

Toya – M/F – House door

Tsukiko - F - Moon Child

Tsuyu - F - Morning dew

Udo – M – Ginseng

Ume - F - Plum blossom

Umeko – F – Plum Blossom Child

Usagi - F - Rabbit

Uyeda - M - From the rice field (child)

Yachi - F - Eight thousand

Yasu - F - Calm

Yasuo - M - Peaceful

Yayoi - F - March

Yogi – M – Yoga practitioner

Yoko - F - Child of the Sun

Yori - F - Trustworthy

Yoshi - F - Perfection

Yoshiko - F - Perfect Child

Yoshiro - M - Perfect Son

Yuki - M - Snow

Yukiko - F - Snow Child

Yukio - M - Cherished by God

Yuko - F - Kind child

Yumako - F - Child Yuma

Yumi - F - Bow-like (weapon)

Yumiko – F – Arrow Child

Yuri - F - Lily

Yuriko - F - Child of the Lily

Yuu - M - Noble Blood

Yuudai - M - Great Hero

Nagisa - "coast"

Kaworu - “to smell”

Ritsuko - "science", "attitude"

Akagi - "mahogany"

Shinji - "death"

Misato - "beautiful city"

Katsuragi - "fortress with walls entwined with grass"

Asuka - lit. "love-love"

Soryu - "central current"

Ayanami - “strip of fabric”, “wave pattern”

Rei - “zero”, “example”, “soul”

KENSHIN name means "Heart of the Sword".

Akito - Sparkling Man

Kuramori Reika - "Treasure Protector" and "Cold Summer" Rurouni - Wandering Wanderer

Himura - "Burning Village"

Shishio Makoto - True Hero

Takani Megumi - "Love Sublime"

Shinomori Aoshi - "Green Bamboo Forest"

Makimachi Misao - "Run the City"

Saito Hajime - "The Beginning of Human Life"

Hiko Seijuro - "Justice Prevailed"

Seta Sojiro - “Comprehensive Forgiveness”

Mirai - the future

Hajime - boss

Mamoru - protector

Jibo - earth

Hikari - light

Atarashiki - transformations

Namida - tears

Sora - sky

Ginga - the universe

Eva - alive

Izya is a doctor

Usagi - hare

Tsukino - Lunar

Rey - soul

Hino - fire

Ami - rain

Mitsuno - merman

Corey - ice, icy

Makoto is true

Cinema - aerial, forest

Minako - Venus

Aino - loving

Setsuna - guard

Mayo - castle, palace

Haruka - 1) distant, 2) heavenly

Teno - heavenly

Michiru - the way

Kayo - sea

Hotaru - light

Tomo is a friend.

Kaori - soft, affectionate

Yumi - "Fragrant Beauty"

Hakufu - Noble Sign

What to name the child?

For future parents in Japan, special collections of names are published - just like here in general - so that they can choose the most suitable one for their child. In general, the process of choosing (or coming up with) a name comes down to one of the following ways:

1. a keyword can be used in the name - a seasonal phenomenon, a shade of color, gem etc.

2. the name may contain the parents’ wish to become strong, wise or brave, for which the hieroglyphs of strength, wisdom and courage are used, respectively.

3. You can also go from choosing the hieroglyphs you like most (in different spellings) and combining them with each other.

4. It has recently become popular to name a child based on hearing, i.e. depending on how pleasant the desired name is to the ear. Having chosen the desired pronunciation, they determine the hieroglyphs with which this name will be written.

5. It has always been popular to name a child after celebrities - heroes of historical chronicles, politicians, pop stars, TV series characters, etc.

6. Some parents rely on various fortune telling, believing that the number of traits in the hieroglyphs of the first and last names should be combined with each other.

The most common endings for Japanese names are:

Male names: ~aki, ~fumi, ~go, ~haru, ~hei, ~hiko, ~hisa, ~hide, ~hiro, ~ji, ~kazu, ~ki, ~ma, ~masa, ~michi, ~mitsu , ~nari, ~nobu, ~nori, ~o, ~rou, ~shi, ~shige, ~suke, ~ta, ~taka, ~to, ~toshi, ~tomo, ~ya, ~zou

Female names: ~a, ~chi, ~e, ~ho, ~i, ~ka, ~ki, ~ko, ~mi, ~na, ~no, ~o, ~ri, ~sa, ~ya, ~yo

Nominal suffixes

Personal pronouns

Japanese nominal suffixes and personal pronouns

Nominal suffixes

In the Japanese language, there is a whole set of so-called nominal suffixes, that is, suffixes added in colloquial speech to first names, surnames, nicknames and other words denoting an interlocutor or a third party. They are used to indicate the social relationship between the speaker and the one being spoken about. The choice of suffix is ​​determined by the character of the speaker (normal, rude, very polite), their attitude towards the listener (common politeness, respect, ingratiation, rudeness, arrogance), their position in society and the situation in which the conversation takes place (one-on-one, in a circle of loved ones friends, between colleagues, between strangers, in public). What follows is a list of some of these suffixes (in order of increasing respectfulness) and their usual meanings.

Tian (chan) - A close analogue of the “diminutive” suffixes of the Russian language. Usually used in relation to a junior or inferior in a social sense, with whom a close relationship develops. There is an element of baby talk in the use of this suffix. Typically used when adults address children, boys address their girlfriends, girlfriends address each other, and small children address each other. The use of this suffix in relation to people who are not very close, equal in status to the speaker, is impolite. Let's say, if a guy addresses a girl his age in this way, with whom he is not “having an affair,” then he is being inappropriate. A girl who addresses a guy of her own age in this way, with whom she is not “having an affair,” is essentially being rude.

Kun (kun) - An analogue of the address “comrade”. Most often used between men or in relation to guys. Indicates, rather, a certain “officiality” of, nevertheless, close relationships. Let's say, between classmates, partners or friends. It can also be used in relation to juniors or inferior in a social sense, when there is no need to focus on this circumstance.

Yang (yan) - Kansai analogue of "-chan" and "-kun".

Pyon (pyon) - Children's version of "-kun".

Tti (cchi) - Children's version of "-chan" (cf. "Tamagotti".

Without a suffix - Close relationships, but without “lisping.” The usual address of adults to teenage children, friends to each other, etc. If a person does not use suffixes at all, then this is a clear indicator of rudeness. Calling by last name without a suffix is ​​a sign of familiar, but “detached” relationships (a typical example is the relationship of schoolchildren or students).

San (san) - An analogue of the Russian “Mr./Madam”. A general indication of respect. Often used to communicate with strangers, or when all other suffixes are inappropriate. Used in relation to elders, including older relatives (brothers, sisters, parents).

Han (han) - Kansai equivalent of "-san".

Si (shi) - “Master”, used exclusively in official documents after the surname.

Fujin - “Lady”, used exclusively in official documents after the surname.

Kouhai - Appeal to the younger. Especially often - at school in relation to those who are younger than the speaker.

Senpai (senpai) - Appeal to an elder. Especially often - at school in relation to those who are older than the speaker.

Dono (dono) - Rare suffix. Respectful address to an equal or superior, but slightly different in position. Currently considered obsolete and practically not found in communication. In ancient times, it was actively used when samurai addressed each other.

Sensei - “Teacher”. Used to refer to teachers and lecturers themselves, as well as doctors and politicians.

Senshu - “Sportsman.” Used to refer to famous athletes.

Zeki - "Sumo wrestler." Used to refer to famous sumo wrestlers.

Ue (ue) - “Elder”. A rare and outdated respectful suffix used for older family members. Not used with names - only with designations of position in the family (“father”, “mother”, “brother”).

Sama - The highest degree of respect. Appeal to gods and spirits, to spiritual authorities, girls to lovers, servants to noble masters, etc. Roughly translated into Russian as “respected, dear, venerable.”

Jin (jin) - “One of.” "Saya-jin" means "one of Saya."

Tachi (tachi) - “And friends.” "Goku-tachi" - "Goku and his friends."

Gumi - “Team, group, party.” "Kenshin-gumi" - "Team Kenshin".

Japanese names and their meanings

Personal pronouns

In addition to nominal suffixes, Japan also uses many different ways to address each other and refer to themselves using personal pronouns. The choice of pronoun is determined by the social laws already mentioned above. The following is a list of some of these pronouns.

Group with the meaning "I"

Watakushi - A very polite female version.

Washi - An outdated polite option. Doesn't depend on gender.

Wai - Kansai equivalent of washi.

Boku (Boku) - Familiar youth male version. Rarely used by women, in this case “unfemininity” is emphasized. Used in poetry.

Ore - Not a very polite option. Purely masculine. Like, cool. ^_^

Ore-sama - "Great Self". A rare form, an extreme degree of boasting.

Daiko or Naiko (Daikou/Naikou) - Similar to “ore-sama”, but somewhat less boastful.

Sessha - Very polite form. Typically used by samurai when addressing their masters.

Hishou - “Insignificant.” A very polite form, now practically not used.

Gusei - Similar to hisho, but somewhat less derogatory.

Oira - Polite form. Typically used by monks.

Chin - A special form that only the emperor has the right to use.

Ware (Ware) - Polite (formal) form, translated as [I/you/he] “himself.” Used when the importance of “I” needs to be particularly expressed. For example, in spells (“I conjure.” In modern Japanese it is rarely used in the meaning of “I”. It is more often used to form a reflexive form, for example, “forgetting about oneself” - “ware wo wasurete.”

[Speaker's name or position] - Used by or when communicating with children, usually within the family. Let's say a girl named Atsuko might say "Atsuko is thirsty." Or her older brother, addressing her, may say, “Brother will bring you juice.” There is an element of “lisping” in this, but such treatment is quite acceptable.

Group meaning “We”

Watashi-tachi - Polite option.

Ware-ware - Very polite, formal option.

Bokura - Impolite option.

Touhou - Regular option.

Group with the meaning “You/You”:

Anata - General polite option. It is also common for a wife to address her husband (“dear”).

Anta - Less polite option. Typically used by young people. A slight hint of disrespect.

Otaku - Literally translated as "Your home." A very polite and rare form. Due to the ironic use by Japanese informals in relation to each other, the second meaning was fixed - “feng, crazy.”

Kimi - Polite option, often between friends. Used in poetry.

Kijou - “Mistress”. A very polite form of addressing a lady.

Onushi - “Insignificant.” An outdated form of polite speech.

Omae - Familiar (when addressing an enemy - offensive) option. Usually used by men in relation to a socially younger person (father to daughter, say).

Temae/Temee (Temae/Temee) - Insulting male version. Usually in relation to the enemy. Something like “bastard” or “bastard.”

Honore (Onore) - Insulting option.

Kisama - A very offensive option. Translated with dots. ^_^ Oddly enough, it literally translates as “noble master.”

Japanese names

Modern Japanese names consist of two parts - the surname, which comes first, and the given name, which comes second. True, the Japanese often write their names in “European order” (first name - surname) if they write them in romaji. For convenience, the Japanese sometimes write their last name in CAPITAL letters so that it is not confused with their first name (due to the inconsistency described above).

The exception is the emperor and members of his family. They don't have a last name. Girls who marry princes also lose their surnames.

Ancient names and surnames

Before the Meiji Restoration, only aristocrats (kuge) and samurai (bushi) had surnames. The rest of the Japanese population was content with personal names and nicknames.

Women of aristocratic and samurai families also usually did not have surnames, since they did not have the right of inheritance. In those cases where women did have surnames, they did not change them upon marriage.

Surnames were divided into two groups - the surnames of aristocrats and the surnames of samurai.

Unlike the number of samurai surnames, the number of aristocratic surnames has practically not increased since ancient times. Many of them went back to the priestly past of the Japanese aristocracy.

The most respected and respected clans of aristocrats were: Konoe, Takashi, Kujo, Ichijo and Gojo. All of them belonged to the Fujiwara clan and had a common name - “Gosetsuke”. From among the men of this family, regents (sessho) and chancellors (kampaku) of Japan were appointed, and from among the women, wives for the emperors were chosen.

The next most important clans were the Hirohata, Daigo, Kuga, Oimikado, Saionji, Sanjo, Imaidegawa, Tokudaji and Kaoin clans. The highest state dignitaries were appointed from among them.

Thus, representatives of the Saionji clan served as imperial grooms (meryo no gogen). Next came all the other aristocratic clans.

The hierarchy of nobility of aristocratic families began to take shape in the 6th century and lasted until the end of the 11th century, when power in the country passed to the samurai. Among them, the clans Genji (Minamoto), Heike (Taira), Hojo, Ashikaga, Tokugawa, Matsudaira, Hosokawa, Shimazu, Oda enjoyed special respect. Whole line their representatives at different times were shoguns (military rulers) of Japan.

The personal names of aristocrats and high-ranking samurai were formed from two kanji (hieroglyphs) with a “noble” meaning.

Personal names of samurai servants and peasants were often given according to the principle of "numbering". The first son is Ichiro, the second is Jiro, the third is Saburo, the fourth is Shiro, the fifth is Goro, etc. Also, in addition to “-ro”, the suffixes “-emon”, “-ji”, “-zo”, “-suke”, “-be” were used for this purpose.

Upon entering the period of adolescence, the samurai chose a different name for himself than the one given to him at birth. Sometimes samurai changed their names throughout adult life, for example, to emphasize the onset of a new period (promotion or moving to another duty station). The master had the right to rename his vassal. In cases of serious illness, the name was sometimes changed to that of Amida Buddha to appeal to his mercy.

According to the rules of samurai duels, before the fight, the samurai had to say his full name so that the enemy could decide whether he was worthy of such an opponent. Of course, in life this rule was observed much less often than in novels and chronicles.

The suffix "-hime" was added to the end of the names of girls from noble families. It is often translated as "princess", but in fact it was used to refer to all noble ladies.

The suffix “-gozen” was used for the names of samurai wives. They were often called simply by their husband's surname and rank. Personal names of married women were practically used only by their close relatives.

For the names of monks and nuns from the noble classes, the suffix “-in” was used.

Modern names and surnames

During the Meiji Restoration, all Japanese people were given surnames. Naturally, most of them were associated with various signs of peasant life, especially with rice and its processing. These surnames, like the surnames of the upper class, were also usually made up of two kanji.

The most common Japanese surnames now are Suzuki, Tanaka, Yamamoto, Watanabe, Saito, Sato, Sasaki, Kudo, Takahashi, Kobayashi, Kato, Ito, Murakami, Oonishi, Yamaguchi, Nakamura, Kuroki, Higa.

Men's names have changed less. They also often depend on the “serial number” of the son in the family. The suffixes "-ichi" and "-kazu" meaning "first son" are often used, as are the suffixes "-ji" ("second son" and "-zō" ("third son").

Most Japanese female names end in “-ko” (“child” or “-mi” (“beauty”). Girls, as a rule, are given names associated with everything beautiful, pleasant and feminine. Unlike male names, female names names are usually written in hiragana rather than kanji.

Some modern girls do not like the ending “-ko” in their names and prefer to omit it. For example, a girl named "Yuriko" might call herself "Yuri".

According to a law passed during the time of Emperor Meiji, after marriage, husband and wife are legally required to adopt the same surname. In 98% of cases this is the husband's last name. For several years now, parliament has been discussing an amendment to the Civil Code allowing spouses to keep premarital surnames. However, so far she cannot get the required number of votes.

After death, a Japanese person receives a new, posthumous name (kaimyo), which is written on a special wooden tablet (ihai). This tablet is considered to be the embodiment of the spirit of the deceased and is used in funeral rites. Kaimyo and ihai are purchased from Buddhist monks - sometimes even before the person's death.

The surname in Japanese is called "myoji" (苗字 or 名字), "uji" (氏) or "sei" (姓).

The vocabulary of the Japanese language has long been divided into two types: wago (Japanese 和語?) - native Japanese words and kango (Japanese 漢語?) - borrowed from China. Names are also divided into these types, although they are now actively expanding new type- gairaigo (Japanese 外来語?) - words borrowed from other languages, but components of this type are rarely used in names.

Modern Japanese names are divided into the following groups:

kunnye (consisting of vago)

onny (consisting of kango)

mixed

The ratio of kun and on surnames is approximately 80% to 20%.

The most common surnames in Japan:

Sato (Japanese: 佐藤 Sato:?)

Suzuki (Japanese: 鈴木?)

Takahashi (Japanese: 高橋?)

Tanaka (Japanese: 田中?)

Watanabe (Japanese: 渡辺?)

Ito (Japanese: 伊藤 Ito:?)

Yamamoto (Japanese: 山本?)

Nakamura (Japanese: 中村?)

Ohayashi (Japanese: 小林?)

Kobayashi (Japanese: 小林?) (different surnames, but spelled the same and have approximately the same distribution)

Kato (Japanese: 加藤 Kato:?)

Many surnames, although read according to the onon (Chinese) reading, go back to ancient Japanese words and are written phonetically, and not by meaning.

Examples of such surnames: Kubo (Japanese 久保?) - from Japanese. kubo (Japanese 窪?) - hole; Sasaki (Japanese 佐々木?) - from the ancient Japanese sasa - small; Abe (Japanese 阿部?) - from the ancient word ape - to connect, mix. If we take into account such surnames, then the number of native Japanese surnames reaches 90%.

For example, the character 木 (“tree”) is read in kun as ki, but in names it can also be read as ko; The character 上 (“up”) can be read in kun as either ue or kami. There are two different surnames Uemura and Kamimura, which are written the same way - 上村. In addition, there are dropouts and fusions of sounds at the junction of components, for example, in the surname Atsumi (Japanese 渥美?), the components individually are read as atsui and umi; and the surname 金成 (kana + nari) is often read simply as Kanari.

When combining hieroglyphs, it is typical to alternate the endings of the first component A/E and O/A - for example, 金 kane - Kanagawa (Japanese 金川?), 白 shiro - Shiraoka (Japanese 白岡?). In addition, the initial syllables of the second component often become voiced, for example 山田 Yamada (yama + ta), 宮崎 Miyazaki (miya + saki). Also, surnames often contain the remainder of the case indicator but or ha (in ancient times it was customary to place them between the first and last names). Usually this indicator is not written, but is read - for example, 一宮 Ichinomiya (ichi + miya); 榎本 Enomoto (e + moto). But sometimes the case indicator is displayed in writing in hiragana, katakana or hieroglyph - for example, 井之上 Inoue (and + but + ue); 木ノ下 Kinoshita (ki + katakana no + shita).

The vast majority of surnames in Japanese consist of two characters; surnames with one or three characters are less common, and surnames with four or more characters are very rare.

One-component surnames are mainly of Japanese origin and are formed from nouns or medial forms of verbs. For example, Watari (Japanese 渡?) - from watari (Japanese 渡り crossing?), 　Hata (Japanese 畑?) - the word hata means “plantation, vegetable garden.” Significantly less common are surnames consisting of one hieroglyph. For example, Cho (Japanese 兆 Cho:?) means “trillion”, In (Japanese 因?) means “reason”.

The majority of Japanese surnames consisting of two components are reported as 60-70%. Of these, the majority are surnames from Japanese roots - it is believed that such surnames are the easiest to read, since most of them are read according to the usual kuns used in the language. Examples - Matsumoto (Japanese 松本?) - consists of the nouns matsu “pine” and moto “root” used in the language; Kiyomizu (Japanese: 清水?) - consists of the adjective stem 清い kiyoi - “pure” and the noun 水 mizu - “water”. Chinese two-part surnames are less numerous and usually have one single reading. Often Chinese surnames contain numbers from one to six (excluding four 四, since this number is read in the same way as “death” 死 si and they try not to use it). Examples: Ichijo: (Japanese: 一条?), Saito: (Japanese: 斉藤?). There are also mixed surnames, where one component is read as on, and the other as kun. Examples: Honda (Japanese 本田?), hon - “base” (on reading) + ta - “rice field” (kun reading); Betsumiya (Japanese 別宮?), betsu - “special, different” (on reading) + miya - “temple” (kun reading). Also, a very small part of surnames can be read both in onam and kun: 坂西 Banzai and Sakanishi, 宮内 Kunai and Miyauchi.

Three-component surnames often contain Japanese roots written phonetically. Examples: 久保田 "Kubota (probably the word 窪 kubo "hole" is written phonetically as 久保), 阿久津 Akutsu (probably the word 明く aku "to open" is written phonetically as 阿久). However, ordinary three-component surnames consisting of three kun readings are also common. Examples: 矢田部 Yatabe, 小野木 Onoki.There are also three-component surnames with Chinese reading.

Four or more component surnames are very rare.

There are surnames with very unusual readings that look like puzzles. Examples: 十八女 Wakairo - written in hieroglyphs for “eighteen-year-old girl”, and read as 若色 “young + color”; The surname denoted by the hieroglyph 一 “one” is read as Ninomae, which can be translated as 二の前 ni no mae “before two”; and the surname 穂積 Hozue, which can be interpreted as “gathering ears of grain”, is sometimes written as 八月一日 “the first day of the eighth lunar month” - apparently on this day in ancient times the harvest began.

Personal names in Japan are the most difficult area in the Japanese language. Women's names are no exception here. At first, reading the translations, it may seem that there is nothing complicated. In Japanese, the surname is pronounced first, and then the given name. In Russian, as in many Western languages, the first name is pronounced first, and then the surname. But believe me, this is the smallest difficulty you encounter when working with Japanese names. Although even such a small thing sometimes confuses people less familiar with Japanese culture.

Japanese culture, and personal names in particular, have undergone dramatic changes over the past hundred years. This also affected the spelling of names and their meaning. New hieroglyphs and signs for writing names were allowed. The last major change dates back to the nineties of the twentieth century. Then the Japanese Parliament amended the list of permitted characters for writing names. In principle, these signs are updated with amendments approximately every five years. But as they say, only a dead language does not change.

Particularly affects modern names the Japanese have changed their attitude towards traditions. If earlier Japan was extremely traditional society, then now with each generation this is fading away. Among modern Japanese names for girls, names from Japanese comics - manga - are very popular. Manga is one of the Japanese cultural phenomena, comics covering a variety of topics for both children and adults. Manga, in essence, is not the usual children's comics, but a rather serious literary and visual work. This cultural phenomenon is already known and popular all over the world.

Another difficulty is the transliteration of Japanese names for girls. Transliteration of any language causes a lot of controversy, let alone the language of the land of the rising sun. The Polivanov system is most often used in Russian practice. It was introduced in the thirties of the twentieth century and since then has been a tacitly approved system of transliteration from Japanese to Cyrillic.

Japanese girl names popular in 2009-2011

List of Japanese female names, their spelling and meaning.

Here is a list of Japanese female names collected by our editors. These are, of course, not all possible Japanese female names, but according to statistics, these are the most popular. Japanese names are the most difficult part of the Japanese language and that is why there are so many discrepancies in their translations. Enjoy watching.

FEMALE names - ratio - Russian and Japanese

Alexandra - (protector) - - Mamoka

Alice - (from the noble class) - - Yoizokumi

Alla - (other) - - Sonota

Anastasia - (resurrected) - - Fukkatsumi

Anna - (mercy, grace) - - Jihiko

Antonina - (spatial) - - Sorariko

Anfisa - (blooming) - - Kaika, - Sakura

Valentina - (strong) - - Tsuyoi

Varvara - (cruel) - - Zankokumi

Vasilisa - (royal) - - Joteiko

Faith - (faith) - - Shinkori

Victoria - (winner) - - Shori

Galina - (clarity) - - Tomei

Daria - (great fire) - - Ohiko

Evgeniya - (noble) - - Yoiidenko

Catherine - (purity, spotlessness) - - Koheiri

Elena - (solar) - - Taiyota

Elizabeth - (who worships God) - - Keikenna

Zinaida - (born of God) - - Kamigauma

Zoya - (life) - - Sei, - Inoti

Inna - (stormy stream) - - Hayakawa

Irina - (peace or anger) - - Sekai, - Ikari

Karina - (dear) - - Kawaimi

Kira - (Mistress) - - Fujinka

Claudia - (limping) - - Ramejo

Ksenia - (wanderer, stranger) - - Horomi

Larisa - (seagull) - - Kamome

Lydia - (sad song) - - Nageki

Love - (love) - - Ay, - Ayumi

Lyudmila - (dear to people) - - Tanomi

Margarita - (pearl) - - Shinjuka, - Tamae

Marina - (sea) - - Maritaimi

Maria - (bitter, stubborn) - - Nigai

Hope - (hope) - - Nozomi

Natalya - (born, native) - - Umari

Nina - (queen) - - Queenmi

Oksana - (inhospitable) - - Aisonaku

Olesya - (forest) - - Ringyoko

Olga - (light) - - Hikari

Polina - (destroying, destroying) - - Hakaina

Raisa - (heavenly, light, submissive) - - Tenshimi

Svetlana - (light) - - Hikaru

Seraphim - (flame snake) - - Honooryumi

Snezhana - (snowy) - - Yuki, Yukiko

Sofia - (wise) - - Kasikomi

Tamara - (palm) - - Yashimi

Tatyana - (lady) - - Joshiko

Ulyana - (righteous) - - Tadashimi

Julia - (wavy, fluffy) - - Hajoka, - Nami

Yana - (God's grace) - - Dzihiri

These are Japanese names with translation into Russian :-)* :-D*

Ai - w - Love
Aiko - f - Favorite child
Akako - w - Red
Akane - F - Sparkling Red
Akemi - f - Dazzlingly beautiful
Akeno - m - Clear morning
Aki - f - Born in autumn
Akiko - w - Autumn child
Akina - w - Spring flower
Akio - m - Handsome
Akira - m - Smart, quick-witted
Akiyama - m - Autumn, mountain
Amaya - w - Night rain
Ami - f - Friend
Amiko - m - Beautiful girl
Amida - m - Name of Buddha
Anda - w - Met in the field
Aneko - f - Older sister
Anzu - w - Apricot
Arahsi - Storm, whirlwind
Arata - m - Inexperienced
Arisu - w - Japanese. form of the name Alice
Asuka - w - Scent of Tomorrow
Ayame - w - Iris
Azarni - w - Thistle flower
Benjiro - m - Enjoying the world
Botan - m - Peony
Chika - w - wisdom
Chikako - w - Child of Wisdom
Chinatsu - w - Thousand Years
Chiyo - w - Eternity
Chizu - f - Thousand storks (implies longevity)
Cho - f - Butterfly
Dai - m - Great
Dai - w - Great
Daichi - m - Great First Son
Daiki - m - Great Tree
Daisuke - m - Great Help
Etsu - w - Delightful, charming
Etsuko - w - Delightful child
Fudo - m - God of fire and wisdom
Fujita - m/f - Field, meadow
Gin - f - Silver
Goro - m - Fifth son
Hana - w - Flower
Hanako - w - Flower Child
Haru - m - Born in spring
Haruka - w - Distant
Haruko - w - Spring
Hachiro - m - Eighth son
Hideaki - m - Brilliant, excellent
Hikaru - m/f - Light, shining
Hide - f - Fertile
Hiroko - w - Generous
Hiroshi - m - Generous
Hitomi - w - Doubly beautiful
Hoshi - w - Star
Hotaka - m - Name of a mountain in Japan
Hotaru - w - Firefly
Ichiro - m - First son
Ima - w - Gift
Isami - m - Bravery
Ishi - w - Stone
Izanami - w - Attractive
Izumi - w - Fountain
Jiro - m - Second son
Joben - m - Loving cleanliness
Jomei - m - Bringer of light
Junko - w - Pure child
Juro - m - Tenth son Yachi - F - Eight thousand
Yasu - F - Calm
Yasuo - M - Mirny
Yayoi - F - March
Yogi - M - Yoga practitioner
Yoko - F - Child of the Sun
Yori - F - Trustworthy
Yoshi - F - Perfection
Yoshiko - F - Perfect Child
Yoshiro - M - Perfect Son
Yudsuki - M - Crescent
Yuki - M - Snow
Yukiko - F - Snow Child
Yukio - M - Cherished by God
Yuko - F - Kind child
Yumako - F - Child Yuma
Yumi - F - Bow-like (weapon)
Yumiko - F - Child of the Arrow
Yuri - F - Lily
Yuriko - F - Lily's Child
Yuu - M - Noble Blood
Yuudai - M - Great Hero
Kado - m - Gate
Kaede - w - Maple leaf
Kagami - w - Mirror
Kameko - w - Turtle Child (symbol of longevity)
Kanaye - m - Diligent - Did you think I took this name out of my head?
Kano - m - God of water
Kasumi - w - Fog
Katashi - m - Hardness
Katsu - m - Victory
Katsuo - m - Victorious child
Katsuro - m - Victorious Son
Kazuki - m - Joyful World
Kazuko - w - Cheerful child
Kazuo - m - Dear son
Kei - w - Respectful
Keiko - f - Adored
Keitaro - m - Blessed One
Ken - m - Big Man
Ken`ichi - m - Strong first son
Kenji - m - Strong second son
Kenshin - m - Heart of the Sword
Kensiro - m - Heavenly Son
Kenta - m - Healthy and brave
Kichi - f - Lucky
Kichiro - m - Lucky son
Kiku - w - Chrysanthemum
Kimiko - f - Child of noble blood
Kin - m - Golden
Kioko - w - Happy child
Kisho - m - Having a head on his shoulders
Kita - w - North
Kiyoko - w - Clean
Kiyoshi - m - Quiet
Kohaku - m/f - Amber
Kohana - w - Small flower
Koko - w - Stork
Koto - w - Japanese. musical instrument "koto"
Kotone - w - Sound of koto
Kumiko - f - Forever beautiful
Kuri - w - Chestnut
Kuro - m - Ninth son
Kyo - m - Agreement (or redhead)
Kyoko - w - Mirror
Leiko - w - Arrogant
Machi - f - Ten thousand years
Machiko - f - Lucky child
Maeko - f - Honest child
Maemi - f - Sincere smile
Mai - w - Bright
Makoto - m - Sincere
Mamiko - w - Baby Mami
Mamoru - m - Earth
Manami - w - Beauty of love
Mariko - w - Child of Truth
Marise - m/f - Infinite
Masa - m/f - Straightforward (person)
Masakazu - m - First son of Masa
Mashiro - m - Wide
Matsu - w - Pine
Mayako - w - Baby Maya
Mayoko - w - Baby Mayo
Mayuko - w - Child Mayu
Michi - w - Fair
Michie - f - Gracefully hanging flower
Michiko - w - Beautiful and wise
Michio - m - A man with the strength of three thousand
Midori - w - Green
Mihoko - w - Child Miho
Mika - w - New Moon
Miki - m/f - Stem
Mikio - m - Three woven trees
Mina - f - South
Minako - w - Beautiful child
Mine - w - Brave Defender
Minoru - m - Seed
Misaki - w - The blossom of beauty
Mitsuko - f - Child of Light
Miya - w - Three Arrows
Miyako - w - Beautiful child of March
Mizuki - w - Beautiful Moon
Momoko - w - Child Peach
Montaro - m - Big guy
Moriko - w - Child of the Forest
Morio - m - Forest boy
Mura - w - Village
Muro - m - Runaway - I didn’t choose this name because of the meaning
Mutsuko - w - Child Mutsu
Nahoko - w - Baby Naho
Nami - w - Wave
Namiko - w - Child of the Waves
Nana - w - Apple
Naoko - w - Obedient child
Naomi - w - Beauty comes first
Nara - w - Oak
Nariko - w - Sissy
Natsuko - f - Summer child
Natsumi - w - Wonderful summer
Nayoko - w - Baby Nayo
Nibori - m - Famous
Nikki - m/f - Two trees
Nikko - m - Daylight
Nori - w - Law
Noriko - w - Child of the Law
Nozomi - w - Nadezhda
Nyoko - w - Gemstone
Oki - f - Middle of the ocean
Orino - w - Peasant Meadow
Osamu - m - Firmness of the law
Rafu - m - Network
Rai - f - Truth
Raidon - m - God of Thunder
Ran - w - Water lily
Rei - w - Gratitude
Reiko - f - Gratitude - Most likely there was "Child Rei"
Ren - w - Water lily
Renjiro - m - Honest
Renzo - m - Third son
Riko - w - Child of Jasmine
Rin - f - Unfriendly
Rinji - m - Peaceful forest
Rini - w - Little bunny
Risako - w - Child Risa
Ritsuko - w - Child Ritsu
Roka - m - White wave crest
Rokuro - m - Sixth son
Ronin - m - Samurai without a master
Rumiko - w - Baby Rumi
Ruri - w - Emerald
Ryo - m - Excellent
Ryoichi - m - Ryo's first son
Ryoko - w - Baby Ryo
Ryota - m - Strong (fat)
Ryozo - m - Third son of Ryo
Ryuichi - m - First son of Ryu
Ryuu - m - Dragon
Saburo - m - Third son
Sachi - f - Happiness
Sachiko - w - Child of Happiness
Sachio m - fortunately born
Saeko - w - Child Sae
Saki - w - Cape (geographic)
Sakiko - w - Baby Saki
Sakuko - w - Child Saku
Sakura - w - Cherry blossoms
Sanako - w - Child Sana
Sango - w - Coral
Saniiro - m - Wonderful
Satu - w - Sugar
Sayuri - w - Little lily
Seiichi - m - Sei's first son
Sen - m - Spirit of the tree
Shichiro - m - Seventh Son
Shika - f - Deer
Shima - m - Islander
Shina - w - Worthy
Shinichi - m - First son of Shin
Shiro - m - Fourth son
Shizuka - w - Quiet
Sho - m - Prosperity
Sora - w - Sky
Sorano - w - Heavenly
Suki - f - Favorite
Suma - f - Asking
Sumi - f - Purified (religious)
Susumi - m - Moving forward (successful)
Suzu - w - Bell (bell)
Suzume - w - Sparrow
Tadao - m - Helpful
Taka - w - Noble
Takako - f - Tall kid
Takara - f - Treasure
Takashi - m - Famous
Takehiko - m - Bamboo Prince
Takeo - m - Bamboo-like
Takeshi - m - Bamboo tree or brave
Takumi - m - Craftsman
Tama - m/f - Precious stone
Tamiko - w - Child of Plenty
Tani - w - From the valley (child)
Taro - m - Firstborn
Taura - w - Many lakes; many rivers
Teijo - m - Fair
Tomeo - m - Cautious person
Tomiko - w - Child of Wealth
Tora - f - Tigress
Torio - m - Bird's tail
Toru - m - Sea
Toshi - w - Mirror Image
Toshiro - m - Talented
Toya - m/f - House door
Tsukiko - w - Moon Child
Tsuyu - w - Morning Dew
Udo - m - Ginseng
Ume - w - Plum blossom
Umeko - w - Plum Blossom Child
Usagi - w - Rabbit
Uyeda - m - from the rice field (child)
Yachi - w - Eight thousand
Yasu - w - Calm
Yasuo - m - Mirny
Yayoi - w - March
Yogi - m - Yoga practitioner
Yoko - w - Child of the Sun
Yori - f - Trustworthy
Yoshi - F - Perfection
Yoshiko - f - Perfect child
Yoshiro - m - Perfect Son
Yudsuki - m - Crescent
Yuki - m - Snow
Yukiko - w - Snow Child
Yukio - m - Cherished by God
Yuko - w - Good child
Yumako - w - Baby Yuma
Yumi - w - Bow-like (weapon)
Yumiko - f - Arrow Child
Yuri - w - Lily
Yuriko - w - Lily's Child
Yuu - m - Noble blood
Yuudai - m - Great Hero

Gods and deities

NAMES OF GODS

Yarila (legend)
God of rage, youth and beauty and vitality: from earthly fertility and human sexuality to the will to live. Wild animals, nature spirits and lesser deities obey him (or she).

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Yard see [Wyrd]
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Yar-Khmel God of intoxicating mead, beer, wine, fun and winemaking.
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Yan-di God of the Sun and Fire.
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Yama God of the kingdom of the dead.
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Jupiter (legend) God of the Sky, daylight, thunderstorms. Having overthrown his father the titan Kronos into Tartarus, he became the ruler of gods and people.
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Eya see [Oann]
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Etheria Daughter of the sun god Phoebus and the oceanid Clymene.
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Ereshkigal, Lady of the Kingdom of the Dead.
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Eos Goddess of the sun, dawn. "with purple fingers Eos."
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Enlil see [Ellil]
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Enki see [Eya]
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Ellil Enlil. God of air and earth
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Ellie Ellie. Ace, goddess of old age.
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Air Eir. Ace, patroness of doctors, goddess of love.
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Eya Enki. God of the world's fresh waters, wisdom, patron of people.
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Shamash God of the Sun.
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Chur (legend) God of property rights, protection, patron of borders, integrity, protection, protection from damage and evil spirits.
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Chislogod God of time and stargazing, letters, numbers, calendar.
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Zhuan-xu God of waters.
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Chernobog (legend) (Black Snake, Kashchei) Lord of Navi, Darkness and the Kingdom of Pekel. God of cold, destruction, death, evil; God of madness and the embodiment of everything bad and black.
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Tsukiyomi Moon God.
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Hyuk Hjuke. The waxing moon, one of the three goddesses, along with Bil and Mani.
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Huang Di "Lord of the Center". Supreme deity.
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Horse God of the Sun, brother of the Month.
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Hops God of hops and drunkenness. Husband of Suritsa.
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Hlin Hlin. Ace, Frigga's messenger who cares for those her mistress wants to protect.
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Hitzliputzli see [Hitzilopochtli]
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Hitzlapuztli see [Hitzilopochtli]
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Hermod Hermod. Asgardian messenger. His name is mentioned in connection with an unsuccessful attempt to return Balder from the kingdom of Hel.
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Hoenir Hoenir. As, god of priestly functions. He is often called the Quiet God.
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Hel Hel. Loki's daughter, ruler underground kingdom, queen of the dead. Above the waist is an ordinary woman, and below is a skeleton.
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Heimdall (legend) Guardian of the Bifrost Bridge, son of Odin, “Wise Ace.” He sleeps less than a bird, can see a hundred days' travel in any direction, and can hear the growth of grass and wool.
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Head (legend) Hoder. Son of Odin, "Blind Ace". He has enormous power, but never leaves Asgard. He is one of the twelve main gods.
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Heidrun A goat who lives in Asgard and eats leaves from the top of Yggrasil. Everyone in Asgard feeds on her milk, strong as honey, and there is enough of it for everyone.
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Fulla Fulla. Ace, Frigga's servant.
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Frigg (legend) Aes, goddess of marriage and procreation, wife of Odin. Frigg rules over the goddesses living in Asgard.
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Freya (legend) Goddess of love, her heart is so soft and tender that it sympathizes with the suffering of everyone. She is the leader of the Valkyries.
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Frey (legend) God of fertility and summer. He is subject to sunlight, he is beautiful and powerful, he is a van who sends wealth.
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Fortuna Roman goddess of happiness, chance and luck. She was depicted on a ball or wheel (a symbol of the variability of happiness), sometimes with a blindfold.
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Forseti Forseti. Ace, son of Balder, god of justice and victory in disputes.
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Phoebus (legend) God of the sun.
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Phaetuza Daughter of the sun god Phoebus and the Oceanid Clymene.
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Phaeton Son of the sun god Phoebus and the oceanid Clymene.
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Ushas is the God of the dawn.
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Usynya One of the three giant brothers, assistants of Perun (Gorynya, Dubynya and Usynya).
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Usud (legend) God is the arbiter of fate. Determines who will be born rich or poor, happy or unhappy.
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Usinsh Latvian "horse god".
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Ouroboros (legend) "Eating his own tail." A snake biting its own tail, “starting at the end of its tail,” encircling the whole world.
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Uranus Son of the sky god, husband of Gaia, father of Tetis.
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Ull (legend) Patron of archers and skiers, god of fertility and law.
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Ulap (legend) Patron of the Chuvash, hero-god, who cast the sun and moon far from the earth.
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Huitzilopochtli (legend) Hitzliputzli, Hitzlaputzli, "Hummingbird of the left side." Human hearts were sacrificed to this god.
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Wyrd A silent goddess who rules over immortals and mortals.
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Tian-di God of the sky.
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Tyr (legend) Aes, god of war, son of Odin and the sister of the sea giant Hymir, the third of the Aesir after Odin and the bravest among them.
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Tiermes (legend) Udmurt god - thunderer. When he defeats the deer god Myandash, the end of the world will come.
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Trojan Three-headed ruler of three kingdoms. One of Troyan's heads devours people, the other - cattle, the third - fish, he travels at night, because he is afraid of sunlight.
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Triton Sea deity, son of Poseidon and the Nereid Amphetrite.
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Triptolemus Lord of the kingdom of the dead.
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Triglavs Great Triglav: Rod - Belobog - Chernobog. Small Triglav: Svarog - Perun - Veles.
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Triglav (legend) In the mythology of the Baltic Slavs, a three-headed deity. They symbolize power over the three kingdoms - heaven, earth and hell.
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Tochi see [Tlazolteotl]
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Thor (legend) As, god of thunder, son of Odin and the earth goddess Jord. He was considered the most powerful god after Odin.
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Tlazolteotl Ixcuina, Tochi, Teteoinnan. Goddess of fertility, sexual sins, repentance, eater of dirt and excrement.
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Tetis Daughter of Uranus and Gaia, wife of Ocean. She was Phaeton's maternal grandmother; Clymene was her daughter.
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Teteoinnan see [Tlazolteotl]
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Tezcatlipoca (legend) "Smoking Mirror". Forever young, all-powerful, all-knowing god of evil, rival of Quetzalcoatl.
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Thaumant Father of the rainbow goddess Iris.
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Tarkh see [Dazhbog]
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Tammuz see [Dimuzi]
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Tamamo-no-mae One of the evil gods.
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Xiong Syn. As, a goddess who protects people's homes from thieves.
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Sjövn Siofn. As, a goddess who strives for people to live peacefully and amicably.
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Syvlampi "Rosa". Daughter of the Sun and his wives: morning and evening Dawn, sister of man.
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Susanoo God of the wind and water elements, later - the hero who saved people from the eight-headed serpent.
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Suritsa Suritsa is the solar Goddess of joy, light (drink surya (drinking honey)). Khmel's wife. Daughter of Dazhbog.
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Stribog (legend) Supreme god of the wind. He can cause and tame a storm, and can turn into his assistant, the Stratim bird.
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Styx Stux (Greek) - “Hateful.” The goddess of the river of the same name in the kingdom of the dead.
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Srecha Goddess of happiness and good luck.
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Snotra Snotra. Ace, goddess of wisdom and politeness.
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Sif (legend) Sif. As, goddess of fertility, wife of Thor. Sif's beauty is second only to Freya.
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Siva (legend) Siva is the god of sowing, harvest and livestock.
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Si-wanmu Goddess, mistress of the land of immortality.
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Semargl (legend) Simargl, Firebog. The god of fire and the moon, fire sacrifices, home and hearth, keeps seeds and crops.
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Selene Goddess of the Moon.
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Svyatovit (legend) God of light, fertility, harvest, autumn sun, grain. The god of war and victory, represented in the image of a warrior - a horseman.
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Sventovit (legend) The highest deity of the Western Slavs, called Wends in the Middle Ages, and Rugs.
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Svarog (legend) God of fire, blacksmithing, family hearth. Heavenly blacksmith and great warrior. There is quite contradictory information about this god.
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Saraswati The beautiful goddess of eloquence.
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Saga Saga. Ace, goddess of stories and genealogy.
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Ran Ran. Van, wife of Aegir, is the goddess of weather and storms, requiring regular sacrifices of souls.
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Rudra One of the main Indian gods, multi-armed and three-eyed. Son of the creator of the Universe Brahma.
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Rodov Triglav see [Greater Triglav]
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Radogost (legend) The essence of the punishing face of the Almighty, the judge of human souls.
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Proteus (legend) Sea god, able to take shape different creatures and transform into various properties of matter - fire, water, wood.
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Poseidon God of the sea, father of Triton and Proteus.
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Whistling Elder Wind, God of Storms. Son of Stribog.
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Midnighter God of the midnight wind, son of Stribog.
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Midday God of the midday wind, son of Stribog.
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Polel God of love and spring fertility, brother of Lelya and Lelya.
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Podaga God of the hot, drying wind, living in the desert in the south. Son of Stribog.
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Weather Warm, light breeze, god of pleasant weather. Son of Stribog.
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Perun (legend) "Striking". Red-bearded god of thunder, thunder and lightning, patron of warriors and knights. One of the main trinity of gods. His attribute is an axe.
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Pereplut (legend) Pereplut - God of the sea, navigation. The mermen obey him. There is insufficient data on it to accurately determine its functions.
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Ohuras A class of gods in India and Iran.
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Osiris Usyr. God of fertility and king the afterlife.
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Ora Goddess of the changing seasons and hours.
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Ocean Husband of Thetis.
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Odin (legend) Supreme god of Scandinavia, ace, ruler of Asgard, god of warriors.
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Fiery Volkh Guardian of the path to the Irian Garden, god of war and courage. Lelya's husband.
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Ovivi see [Kokopelli]
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Oannes (legend) Eya. Babylonian god of the sea, the oldest of the sea gods.
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O-Kuni-Nushi God, who grew grass and trees on the earth, who taught people to heal diseases.
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Nui-wa Goddess is the creator of humanity.
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Njord (legend) Njord. Van, the patron saint of navigation, fishing and shipbuilding, is subject to the winds and the sea. Njord is richer than all the Aesir and, like all Vanir, very kind.
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Ninurta God of War.
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Nintu The goddess who created people, the patroness of women in labor.
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Nereus God of the calm sea. Lives in a palace at the bottom of the sea.
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Nergal Lord of the kingdom of the dead, husband of the goddess Ereshkigal.
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Nemesis Goddess of well-deserved punishment.
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Nedolya is the Goddess, together with Dolya and Makosh, who spins the thread of human life on earth.
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Nanna God of the Moon.
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Nanna Nanna. As, goddess of fertility, wife of Balder, who did not survive his death.
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Namtar "Fate" God who appears to a dying person and takes him to the kingdom of the dead.
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Nabu God is the patron of sciences.
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Morrigan (legend) In Irish mythology, one of the three goddesses of war. She is also called the Mighty Queen and is seen as the Triple Goddess or the death aspect of the Triple Goddess.
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Morok God of lies and deceit, ignorance and delusion. But he is also the keeper of the paths to the Truth, hiding the Truth from others behind the empty shimmer of the world.
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Morozko (legend) God of winter and cold weather. A short old man with a long gray beard. In winter, he runs through the fields and streets and knocks - from his knocking, bitter frosts begin and the rivers are bound with ice.
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Modi (legend) Modi. Ace, son of Thor and Sif, sometimes mentioned as the patron of berserkers.
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Mithra Ancient Iranian deity, embodiment: bull. His cult was very widespread in the Roman Empire in the first centuries new era, as the "Soldier's God".
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Mictlantecuhtli Lord of Mictlan, the underworld of the dead.
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Month Month Mesyatsovich, brother of the Sun. “Perun was angry with him and cut him in half with a damask ax. Since then, the month has become not round, but the way we see it in the sky.”
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Mother of Cheese Earth (legend) People revered the Earth not only in pagan times, but also now. The earth is called holy, mother, and she is the embodiment of health and purity. The wife of the sky, which fertilizes her with rain.
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Marzana (legend) Goddess of the death of all living creatures except humans, goddess of hunting, fishing and trapping.
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Madder (legend) Marana, Morena, Marzhana, Marzhena. A goddess associated with the embodiment of death, the seasonal rituals of nature's dying and resurrection, and rainmaking rituals.
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Marduk Originally the god of the city of Babylon, later the supreme deity, “lord of the gods.”
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Mara (goddess) (legend) Morana, Morena, Marena, Mora. Mighty and formidable goddess of Winter and Death, wife (daughter) of Kashchei and daughter of Lada, sister of Zhiva and Lelya. Her symbol is the Black Moon, piles of broken skulls and a sickle with which she cuts the Threads of Life.
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Mani Mani. The Moon as a deity, one of the three goddesses, along with Hyuk and Bil.
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Mamon (legend) Mamon Slavic black deity of wealth and gluttony, opposed to the light gods.
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Small Triglav (legend) Svarog - Perun - Veles.
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Makosh (legend) Makosh is the Goddess who spins the Threads of Fate in Heaven, and also the patroness of women's handicrafts on Earth.
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Magura (legend) Daughter of Perun, cloud maiden - beautiful, winged, warlike. Her heart is forever given to warriors and heroes. She sends the dead warriors to Iriy.
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Magni (legend) Magni. As, son of Thor, god of physical strength.
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Lub (legend) Lub is the Guardian Spirit of the marriage bed. He appeared to be a big-eared, shaggy, golden-haired cat with an arrowhead stalk in his teeth. Lyub had to be appeased in every possible way so that he would drive Nelyub away from the bedroom - the same cat, only black and angry, with a henbane branch in his mouth.
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Lei-shen God of thunder.
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Loki (legend) Giant, god of fire, brother of Odin, accepted by Asami as an equal.
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Summer Olympic goddess.
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Lelya (legend) Spring, goddess of girlish love, younger Rozhanitsa, patroness of lovers, beauty, happiness. Lada's daughter. Semargl's wife.
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Lel (legend) God of youthful love, passion, son of Lada and brother of Lelya. Sparks emanate from his hands, igniting the fire of love.
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Lahmu Lahmu and Lahamu are the most ancient pair of gods generated by primeval chaos.
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Lampetia Daughter of the sun god Phoebus and the oceanid Clymene.
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Lakshmi Born of the ocean, a beautiful maiden in a white robe is the goddess of beauty and happiness.
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Lada (legend) The female hypostasis of Rod, the wife of Svarog and the mother of the Svarozhich gods, the eldest Rozhanitsa (Rozhanitsa - Mother), family deity.
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Lad is the God of reconciliation and harmony, in a sense, order.
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Leuven Lofn. As, the goddess who sanctifies marriages between people.
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Kyldysin (legend)
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Bathing suit Goddess of the night. Mother of Kostroma and Kupala, whom she gave birth to from Semargl.
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Kupala (legend) Kupala (and his twin sister Kostorma): children of the goddess of the Night Bathing Suit and Semargl.
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Kubera God of wealth, living in the heavenly city of Gandharvaranagara (“mirage”).
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Kuaz (legend)
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Kruchina see [Karna]
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Kostroma (legend) The daughter of Semargl and Kupalnitsa, who mistakenly married her brother Kupala, and committed suicide by drowning herself and turning into a mermaid.
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Kokopelli (legend) Ovivi. Small Indian god.
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Clymene Nymph (Oceanide), wife of the sun god Phoebus.
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Kvasura (legend) Originally the god of intoxicating mead, beer, wine, fun and winemaking, almost the same as Yar-Khmel.
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Jord Goddess of the earth.
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Ishtar see [Inanna]
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Ishkuin see [Tlazolteotl]
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Itzamana Mayan god of healing, fair-skinned bearded man. His symbol is a rattlesnake.
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Isis Goddess of the Moon.
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Iris Goddess of the rainbow, daughter of Thaumant.
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Inmar God, ruler of the upper, heavenly world - the world of the gods.
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Indra (legend) "Lord". The main god of the Indian Vedic pantheon. In the Book of Veles he is mentioned as the supreme heavenly god.
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Inari One of the good gods, benevolent and wise.
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Inanna Ishtar. Goddess of fertility and love
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Isis see [Isis]
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Idunn see [Iddun]
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Izanami Goddess, wife of Izanaki, later the mistress of the kingdom of the dead.
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Izanaki Izanaki is the god, creator of the earth and people.
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Iddun (legend) Idunn. As, goddess of eternal youth and healing.
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Zimtserla (legend) Lady of the beginning of the day, goddess of the dawn. It comes out at night to frolic over forests and fields, and then they call it Zarnitsa.
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Zeus is the Supreme Olympian god.
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Zevana (legend) Goddess of animals and hunting. In the temple she holds a drawn bow and a trap in her hands, and at her feet lies a spear and a knife.
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Zhurba see [Zhelya]
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Zhelya see [Zhelya]
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Zhiva see [Zhiva]
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Alive (legend) is the Goddess of Spring and Life in all its manifestations: the Life-giving Forces of Nature, spring seething waters, the first green shoots; patroness of young girls and young wives.
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Zhelya (legend) Zhelya, Zhurba. The goddess of mortal sadness, pity and funeral lament, the messenger of the dead, escorting them to the funeral pyre. Even the mere mention of her name lightens the soul.
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Erd Erd. As, mother of Thor, goddess of the earth.
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Dyy (legend) The name of God, mentioned in the Old Russian insert into the South Slavic text “The Virgin’s Walk through the Torments.” Sometimes - a general designation for the middle gods.
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Dubynya One of the three giant brothers, assistants of Perun (Gorynya, Dubynya and Usynya).
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Doris Sea goddess, wife of Nereus, mother of the Nereids.
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Share (legend) Heavenly spinner, spinning the good, blessed thread of human life. Nedolya's sister, Mokosh's assistant.
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Dodola (legend) Thunder goddess of spring. She walks over the fields and fields with her retinue, and Perun and his companions chase after them in the noise of a spring thunderstorm.
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Dogoda (legend) God of quiet, pleasant winds and clear weather. A ruddy, brown-haired young man in a cornflower blue wreath, in silver-blue clothes, with semi-precious wings on his back.
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Dimuzi Tammuz. God of spring fertility, patron of cattle breeders.
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Dimu-nyannian Goddess, personification of the earth.
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Did (legend) The third son of the goddess Lada, after Lelya and Polelya, the god of marital love. The eternally young Did patronizes strong unions and is revered as a symbol of ageless, inescapable love.
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Divya (legend) (Diva) Goddess of nature, mother of all living things. The primary goddess, equal in size to Diyu.
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Diverkiz (legend) Hare god, once revered by Slavic and Baltic tribes.
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Diva (legend) Virgo, Divia, Dina (Vlach), Devana (Czech) Goddess of hunting, protected forests, animals, maidens (women's secret hunting communities).
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Dijun God, father of the heavenly bodies.
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Danaus Father of the nymph Amymon.
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Dana (legend) Goddess of water. She was revered as a bright and kind goddess, giving life to all living things.
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Dazhdbog Svarozhich (legend) Dabog, Dazhbog, Dabusha. “The Giver God”, “The Giver of all blessings”. Sun God, son of Svarog.
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Gullveig (legend) Gullveig. Van, one of the main opponents of the aces. The Aesir speak of her as a witch and sorceress.
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Horus Bird-headed god of the sun.
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Gna Gna. Ace, Frigga's servant and messenger, traveling to different worlds, carrying out orders for her mistress.
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Gaia Goddess - Earth, wife of Uranus, mother of Tetis.
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Gefyun Gefju. Ace, goddess of gardening and the plow
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Hephaestus God of flame, blacksmith.
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Hermes Trismegistus (Thrice Greatest). Patron of magic and esotericism.
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Hermes "Messenger", "Thief", "Psychopomp" - the leader of souls to the kingdom of Hades.
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Helia Daughter of the sun god Phoebus and the oceanid Clymene.
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Helios Sun God of Olympus, son of the titans Hyperion and Theia, brother of Selene and Eos.
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Geladas Daughters of the sun god Phoebus and the oceanids Clymene: Phaetusa, Lampetia, Helia and Etheria.
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Hecate Goddess of dark forces, the underworld and the night, three-faced and snake-haired.
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Garuda (legend) Bird of Paradise, half-eagle, half-man, symbol of speed and power, child of heaven and king of all birds. Phoenix.
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Vjofn Vjofn. Aes, goddess of harmony and example, resolving disagreements among mortals.
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Vulcan Roman God-blacksmith, as well as the god of purifying flame, protecting from fires.
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Vritra Demon from the myth of Indra.
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Wotan God of the Maya, light-skinned bearded man. His symbol is a snake
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Thief Vor. Ace, goddess of curiosity and mystery solving
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Water strider Small Indian god.
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Vishnu The second god of the trinity, heading the Brahmanic pantheon. Depicted as blue, with four arms, holding a club, a conch shell, a disc and a lotus.
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Vili is wanted by As, son (daughter) of Bor, brother (sister) of Odin and Ve.
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Vidar (legend) The Silent Ace, the son of Odin and the giantess Grid, is almost as powerful as the god of thunder Thor.
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Vecherka Goddess of the evening (she corresponds to Vechernik). Sister of Poludnitsa, Bathing Lady and Dawn - Zarenitsa.
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We are looking for As, son (daughter) of Bor, brother (sister) of Odin and Vili.
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Varuna God of the Ocean.
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Varma-ava Goddess of the wind in Mordovia.
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Var Var. Ace, goddess of truth. Listens to and writes down people's vows.
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Vans Vaner. A genus of gods in Scandinavia who were at enmity with the gods - Asami.
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Vanadis see [Freya]
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Vali (legend) As, one of the twelve main (after Odin) gods.
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Storm (legend) Goddess of the wind, wife of Stribog. "Required like Stribog."
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Buri Buri. Ace, freed from the ice by the cow Audumla, Bor's father.
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Bulda One of the gods. wanted
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Bragi (legend) "Longbeard". As, god of poets and skalds, son of Odin, husband of Idunn.
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Bor Bor. As, son of Storm, husband of Bestla, father of Odin, Vili and Ve.
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Great Triglav or Rodov Triglav: Rod - Belobog - Chernobog.
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Bozhich (legend) Bozhik (Maked.), Mares (Lat.). One of the heroes of the caroling ritual, a symbol of the New Year. Bozhich is the patron of family and home.
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Bogumir (legend) Son of Dazhbog and Morena. He married Slavun and from him came all the people on the Russian land, the tribes from his children. That’s why they say that the Rus are Dazhdboz’s grandchildren.
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Bil Bil. Waning Moon, one of the three goddesses, along with Hyuk and Mani.
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Belobog (legend) The embodiment of Light, Goodness, Luck, happiness, goodness, the personification of the daytime spring sky. Collective image all the bright gods.
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Barma (legend) God of prayer. This is a good god, but if he gets angry, at that moment it is better not to get in his way.
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Balder (legend) Ace, god of spring, joy and happiness. With his death, the world became gray and dull, as it is now.
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Aushra Lithuanian god of the dawn.
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Aces Aesir. Kind of gods in Scandinavia.
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Aster "Star". One of the names of Veles.
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Aslati God of Thunder.
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Artemis Goddess of the hunt.
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Apollo is the Olympian sun god, son of Zeus and Leto, brother of Artemis.
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Anu God of the sky.
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Andrimnir (legend) Cook in Valhalla.
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Amaterasu Amaterasu is the sun goddess.
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Hades Lord of the kingdom of the dead.
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Azovushka Wife of Veles.
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Aegir (legend) Van, god of the sea, who controls the mood of the sea surface.
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Aditya The Supreme spirit, the essence of the universe in the Rig Vedas.
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Aditi Father of all gods.
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Adad God of thunder, rain and storm.
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Agunya (legend) God of Earthly Fire, the youngest of the Svarozhichi. It represents the Power of the Heavenly Gods on Earth - cleansing and protecting from all evil spirits.
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Agric A legendary hero who owned a treasure sword, mentioned in “The Tale of Peter and Fevronia.”
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Aurora Goddess of the morning dawn.

A Japanese name (Japanese jimmei?) these days usually consists of a family name (surname) followed by a personal name. This is a very common practice in East and Southeast Asia, including Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai and some other cultures.

Names are usually written using kanji, which can have many different pronunciations in different cases.
Modern Japanese names can be compared to names in many other cultures. All Japanese have a single surname and a single given name without a patronymic, with the exception of the Japanese imperial family, whose members do not have a surname.
In Japan, the surname comes first, and then the given name. At the same time, in Western languages ​​(often in Russian) Japanese names are written in the reverse order first name - last name - according to European tradition.
Names in Japan are often created independently from existing characters, so the country has a huge number of unique names. Surnames are more traditional and most often go back to place names. There are significantly more first names in Japanese than surnames. Male and female names differ due to their characteristic components and structure. Reading Japanese proper names is one of the most difficult elements of the Japanese language.

Ai - F - Love
Aiko - F - Favorite child
Akako - F - Red
Akane - F - Sparkling Red
Akemi - F - Dazzlingly beautiful
Akeno - M - Clear morning
Aki - F - Born in autumn
Akiko - F - Autumn child
Akina - F - Spring flower
Akio - M - Handsome
Akira - M - Smart, quick-witted
Akiyama - M - Autumn, mountain
Amaya - F - Night rain
Ami - F - Friend
Amida - M - Name of Buddha
Anda - F - Met in the field
Aneko - F - Older sister
Anzu - F - Apricot
Arata - M - Inexperienced
Arisu - F - Japanese. form of the name Alice
Asuka - F - Scent of Tomorrow
Ayame - F - Iris
Azarni - F - Thistle flower

Benjiro - M - Enjoying the World
Botan - M - Peony

Chika - F - Wisdom
Chikako - F - Child of Wisdom
Chinatsu - F - Thousand Years
Chiyo - F - Eternity
Chizu - F - Thousand storks (implies longevity)
Cho - F - Butterfly

Dai - M/F - Great
Daichi - M - Great First Son
Daiki - M - Great Tree
Daisuke - M - Great Help

Etsu - F - Delightful, charming
Etsuko - F - Delightful child

Fudo - M - God of fire and wisdom
Fujita - M/F - Field, meadow

Gin - F - Silver
Goro - M - Fifth Son

Hana - F - Flower
Hanako - F - Flower Child
Haru - M - Born in Spring
Haruka - F - Distant
Haruko - F - Spring
Hachiro - M - Eighth Son
Hideaki - M - Brilliant, excellent
Hikaru - M/F - Light, shining
Hide - F - Fertile
Hiroko - F - Generous
Hiroshi - M - Generous
Hitomi - F - Doubly beautiful
Hoshi - F - Star
Hotaka - M - Name of a mountain in Japan
Hotaru - F - Firefly

Ichiro - M - First Son

Ima - F - Gift
Isami - M - Courage
Ishi - F - Stone
Izanami - F - Attractive
Izumi - F - Fountain

Jiro - M - Second Son
Joben - M - Loving cleanliness
Jomei - M - Bringing light
Junko - F - Pure child
Juro - M - Tenth Son

Kado - M - Gate
Kaede - F - Maple leaf
Kagami - F - Mirror
Kameko - F - Turtle Child (symbol of longevity)
Kanaye - M - Diligent
Kano - M - God of Water
Kasumi - F - Fog
Katashi - M - Hardness
Katsu - M - Victory
Katsuo - M - Victorious Child
Katsuro - M - Victorious Son
Kazuki - M - Joyful World
Kazuko - F - Cheerful child
Kazuo - M - Dear Son
Kei - F - Respectful
Keiko - F - Adored
Keitaro - M - Blessed One
Ken - M - Big Man
Ken`ichi - M - Strong first son
Kenji - M - Strong second son
Kenshin - M - Heart of the Sword
Kenta - M - Healthy and brave
Kichi - F - Lucky
Kichiro - M - Lucky Son
Kiku - F - Chrysanthemum
Kimiko - F - Child of noble blood
Kin - M - Golden
Kioko - F - Happy child
Kisho - M - Having a head on his shoulders
Kita - F - North
Kiyoko - F - Clean
Kiyoshi - M - Quiet
Kohaku - M/F - Amber
Kohana - F - Small flower
Koko - F - Stork
Koto - F - Japanese. musical instrument "koto"
Kotone - F - Sound of koto
Kumiko - F - Forever beautiful
Kuri - F - Chestnut
Kuro - M - Ninth Son
Kyo - M - Agreement (or redhead)
Kyoko - F - Mirror

Leiko - F - Arrogant

Machi - F - Ten thousand years
Machiko - F - Lucky Child
Maeko - F - Honest child
Maemi - F - Sincere smile
Mai - F - Bright
Makoto - M - Sincere
Mamiko - F - Child Mami
Mamoru - M - Earth
Manami - F - The beauty of love
Mariko - F - Child of Truth
Marise - M/F - Infinite
Masa - M/F - Straightforward (person)
Masakazu - M - First son of Masa
Mashiro - M - Wide
Matsu - F - Pine
Mayako - F - Child Maya
Mayoko - F - Child Mayo
Mayuko - F - Child Mayu
Michi - F - Fair
Michie - F - Gracefully hanging flower
Michiko - F - Beautiful and wise
Michio - M - A man with the strength of three thousand
Midori - F - Green
Mihoko - F - Child Miho
Mika - F - New Moon
Miki - M/F - Stalk
Mikio - M - Three woven trees
Mina - F - South
Minako - F - Beautiful child

Mine - F - Brave Defender
Minoru - M - Seed
Misaki - F - The Bloom of Beauty
Mitsuko - F - Child of Light
Miya - F - Three arrows
Miyako - F - Beautiful child of March
Mizuki - F - Beautiful Moon
Momoko - F - Child Peach
Montaro - M - Big Guy
Moriko - F - Child of the Forest
Morio - M - Forest Boy
Mura - F - Country
Mutsuko - F - Child Mutsu

Japanese names and their meanings

Nahoko - F - Child Naho
Nami - F - Wave
Namiko - F - Child of the Waves
Nana - F - Apple
Naoko - F - Obedient child
Naomi - F - “First of all, beauty”
Nara - F - Oak
Nariko - F - Sissy
Natsuko - F - Summer child
Natsumi - F - Wonderful Summer
Nayoko - F - Baby Nayo
Nibori - M - Famous
Nikki - M/F - Two trees
Nikko - M - Daylight
Nori - F - Law
Noriko - F - Child of the Law
Nozomi - F - Nadezhda
Nyoko - F - Gemstone

Oki - F - Middle of the Ocean
Orino - F - Peasant meadow
Osamu - M - Firmness of the Law

Rafu - M - Network
Rai - F - Truth
Raidon - M - God of Thunder
Ran - F - Water lily
Rei - F - Gratitude
Reiko - F - Gratitude
Ren - F - Water lily
Renjiro - M - Honest
Renzo - M - Third Son
Riko - F - Child of Jasmine
Rin - F - Unfriendly
Rinji - M - Peaceful Forest
Rini - F - Little bunny
Risako - F - Child Risa
Ritsuko - F - Child Ritsu
Roka - M - White wave crest
Rokuro - M - Sixth Son
Ronin - M - Samurai without a master
Rumiko - F - Child Rumi
Ruri - F - Emerald
Ryo - M - Excellent
Ryoichi - M - First son of Ryo
Ryoko - F - Child Ryo
Ryota - M - Strong (fat)
Ryozo - M - Third son of Ryo
Ryuichi - M - First son of Ryu
Ryuu - M - Dragon

Saburo - M - Third Son
Sachi - F - Happiness
Sachiko - F - Child of Happiness
Sachio - M - Fortunately born
Saeko - F - Child Sae
Saki - F - Cape (geographical)
Sakiko - F - Child Saki
Sakuko - F - Child Saku
Sakura - F - Cherry blossoms
Sanako - F - Child Sana
Sango - F - Coral
Saniiro - M - Wonderful
Satu - F - Sugar
Sayuri - F - Little lily
Seiichi - M - Sei's first son
Sen - M - Spirit of the Tree
Shichiro - M - Seventh Son
Shika - F - Deer
Shima - M - Islander
Shina - F - Decent
Shinichi - M - First son of Shin
Shiro - M - Fourth Son
Shizuka - F - Quiet
Sho - M - Prosperity
Sora - F - Sky
Sorano - F - Heavenly
Suki - F - Favorite
Suma - F - Asking
Sumi - F - Purified (religious)
Susumi - M - Moving forward (successful)
Suzu - F - Bell (bell)
Suzume - F - Sparrow

Tadao - M - Helpful
Taka - F - Noble
Takako - F - Tall child
Takara - F - Treasure
Takashi - M - Famous
Takehiko - M - Bamboo Prince
Takeo - M - Bamboo-like
Takeshi - M - Bamboo tree or brave
Takumi - M - Craftsman
Tama - M/F - Gemstone
Tamiko - F - Child of Abundance
Tani - F - From the Valley (child)
Taro - M - Firstborn
Taura - F - Many lakes; many rivers
Teijo - M - Fair
Tomeo - M - Cautious person
Tomiko - F - Child of Wealth
Tora - F - Tigress
Torio - M - Bird tail
Toru - M - Sea
Toshi - F - Mirror image
Toshiro - M - Talented
Toya - M/F - House door
Tsukiko - F - Moon Child
Tsuyu - F - Morning Dew

Udo - M - Ginseng
Ume - F - Plum blossom
Umeko - F - Plum Blossom Child
Usagi - F - Rabbit
Uyeda - M - From the rice field (child)

Yachi - F - Eight thousand
Yasu - F - Calm
Yasuo - M - Mirny
Yayoi - F - March
Yogi - M - Yoga practitioner
Yoko - F - Child of the Sun
Yori - F - Trustworthy
Yoshi - F - Perfection
Yoshiko - F - Perfect Child
Yoshiro - M - Perfect Son
Yuki - M - Snow
Yukiko - F - Snow Child
Yukio - M - Cherished by God
Yuko - F - Kind child
Yumako - F - Child Yuma
Yumi - F - Bow-like (weapon)
Yumiko - F - Child of the Arrow
Yuri - F - Lily
Yuriko - F - Lily's Child
Yuu - M - Noble Blood
Yuudai - M - Great Hero

Nagisa - "coast"
Kaworu - "to smell"
Ritsuko - "science", "attitude"
Akagi - "mahogany"
Shinji - "death"
Misato - "beautiful city"
Katsuragi - "fortress with walls entwined with grass"
Asuka - lit. "love-love"
Soryu - "central current"
Ayanami - "strip of fabric", "wave pattern"
Rei - “zero”, “example”, “soul”
KENSHIN name means "Heart of the Sword".

Japanese names and their meanings

Akito - Sparkling Man
Kuramori Reika - "Treasure Protector" and "Cold Summer" Rurouni - Wandering Wanderer
Himura - "Burning Village"
Shishio Makoto - True Hero
Takani Megumi - "Sublime Love"
Shinomori Aoshi - "Green Bamboo Forest"
Makimachi Misao - "Run the City"
Saito Hajime - "The Beginning of Human Life"
Hiko Seijuro - "Justice Prevailed"
Seta Sojiro - “Comprehensive Forgiveness”

Mirai - the future
Hajime - boss
Mamoru - protector
Jibo - earth
Hikari – light
Atarashiki – transformations
Namida - tears
Sora - sky
Ginga - the universe
Eva is alive
Izya is a doctor
Usagi - hare
Tsukino – Lunar
Rey - soul
Hino – fire
Ami - rain
Mitsuno - merman
Kori – ice, icy
Makoto is true
Cinema – aerial, forest
Minako – Venus
Aino – loving
Setsuna - guard
Mayo – castle, palace
Haruka – 1) distant, 2) heavenly
Teno - heavenly
Michiru - the way
Kayo - sea
Hotaru – light
Tomo is a friend.
Kaori - soft, affectionate
Yumi - "Fragrant Beauty"
Hakufu - Noble Sign

Japanese nominal suffixes and personal pronouns

Nominal suffixes

In the Japanese language, there is a whole set of so-called nominal suffixes, that is, suffixes added in colloquial speech to first names, surnames, nicknames and other words denoting an interlocutor or a third party. They are used to indicate the social relationship between the speaker and the one being spoken about. The choice of suffix is ​​determined by the character of the speaker (normal, rude, very polite), their attitude towards the listener (common politeness, respect, ingratiation, rudeness, arrogance), their position in society and the situation in which the conversation takes place (one-on-one, in a circle of loved ones friends, between colleagues, between strangers, in public). What follows is a list of some of these suffixes (in order of increasing "respectfulness") and their common meanings.

Tian (chan) - A close analogue of the “diminutive” suffixes of the Russian language. Usually used in relation to a junior or inferior in a social sense, with whom a close relationship develops. There is an element of baby talk in the use of this suffix. Typically used when adults address children, boys address their girlfriends, girlfriends address each other, and small children address each other. The use of this suffix in relation to people who are not very close and equal to the speaker in position is impolite. Let's say, if a guy addresses a girl his age in this way, with whom he is not “having an affair,” then he is being inappropriate. A girl who addresses a guy of her own age in this way, with whom she is not “having an affair,” is, in essence, being rude.

Kun (kun) - An analogue of the address “comrade”. Most often used between men or in relation to guys. Indicates, rather, a certain “officiality” of, nevertheless, close relationships. Let's say, between classmates, partners or friends. It can also be used in relation to juniors or inferior in a social sense, when there is no need to focus on this circumstance.

Yang (yan) - Kansai analogue of "-chan" and "-kun".

Pyon (pyon) - Children's version of "-kun".

Tti (cchi) - Children's version of "-chan" (cf. "Tamagotti").

Without a suffix - Close relationships, but without “lisping.” The usual address of adults to teenage children, friends to each other, etc. If a person does not use suffixes at all, then this is a clear indicator of rudeness. Calling by last name without a suffix is ​​a sign of familiar, but “detached” relationships (a typical example is the relationship of schoolchildren or students).

San (san) - An analogue of the Russian “Mr./Madam”. A general indication of respect. Often used to communicate with strangers, or when all other suffixes are inappropriate. Used in relation to elders, including older relatives (brothers, sisters, parents).

Han (han) - Kansai equivalent of "-san".

Si (shi) - “Master”, used exclusively in official documents after the surname.

Fujin - “Lady”, used exclusively in official documents after the surname.

Kouhai - Appeal to the younger. Especially often - at school in relation to those who are younger than the speaker.

Senpai (senpai) - Appeal to an elder. Especially often - at school in relation to those who are older than the speaker.

Dono (dono) - Rare suffix. Respectful address to an equal or superior, but slightly different in position. Currently considered obsolete and practically not found in communication. In ancient times, it was actively used when samurai addressed each other.

Sensei - “Teacher”. Used to refer to teachers and lecturers themselves, as well as doctors and politicians.

Senshu - “Sportsman”. Used to refer to famous athletes.

Zeki - “Sumo wrestler”. Used to refer to famous sumo wrestlers.

Ue (ue) - “Elder”. A rare and outdated respectful suffix used for older family members. Not used with names - only with designations of position in the family (“father”, “mother”, “brother”).

Sama - The highest degree of respect. Appeal to gods and spirits, to spiritual authorities, girls to lovers, servants to noble masters, etc. Roughly translated into Russian as “respected, dear, venerable.”

Jin (jin) - “One of.” "Saya-jin" - "one of Saya."

Tachi (tachi) - “And friends.” "Goku-tachi" - "Goku and his friends."

Gumi (gumi) - “Team, group, party.” "Kenshin-gumi" - "Team Kenshin".

Personal pronouns

In addition to nominal suffixes, Japan also uses many different ways to address each other and refer to themselves using personal pronouns. The choice of pronoun is determined by the social laws already mentioned above. The following is a list of some of these pronouns.

Group with the meaning "I"

Watashi - Polite option. Recommended for use by foreigners. Typically used by men. Infrequently used in colloquial speech, as it carries a connotation of "high style".
Atashi - Polite option. Recommended for use by foreigners. Typically used by women. Or gays. ^_^ Not used when communicating with high-ranking individuals.
Watakushi - A very polite female version.
Washi - An outdated polite option. Doesn't depend on gender.
Wai - Kansai equivalent of washi.
Boku (Boku) - Familiar youth male version. Rarely used by women, in this case “unfemininity” is emphasized. Used in poetry.
Ore - Not a very polite option. Purely masculine. Like, cool. ^_^
Ore-sama - "Great Self". A rare form, an extreme degree of boasting.
Daiko or Naiko (Daikou/Naikou) - Analogous to “ore-sama”, but somewhat less boastful.
Sessha - Very polite form. Typically used by samurai when addressing their masters.
Hishou - “Insignificant.” A very polite form, now practically not used.
Gusei - Similar to hisho, but somewhat less derogatory.
Oira - Polite form. Typically used by monks.
Chin - A special form that only the emperor has the right to use.
Ware - Polite (formal) form, translated as [I/you/he] “himself.” Used when the importance of “I” needs to be particularly expressed. Let's say in spells (“I conjure”). In modern Japanese it is rarely used to mean "I". It is more often used to form a reflexive form, for example - “forgetting about yourself” - “vare in vasurete”.
[Speaker's name or position] - Used by or when communicating with children, usually within the family. Let's say a girl named Atsuko might say "Atsuko is thirsty." Or her older brother, addressing her, may say, “Brother will bring you juice.” There is an element of “lisping” in this, but such treatment is quite acceptable.

Group meaning “We”

Watashi-tachi - Polite option.
Ware-ware - Very polite, formal option.
Bokura - Impolite option.
Touhou - Regular option.

Group with the meaning “You/You”:

Anata - General polite option. It is also common for a wife to address her husband (“dear”).
Anta - Less polite option. Typically used by young people. A slight hint of disrespect.
Otaku - Literally translated as “Your home.” A very polite and rare form. Due to the ironic use by Japanese informals in relation to each other, the second meaning was fixed - “feng, crazy.”
Kimi - Polite option, often between friends. Used in poetry.
Kijo (Kijou) - “Mistress”. A very polite form of addressing a lady.
Onushi - “Insignificant.” An outdated form of polite speech.
Omae - Familiar (when addressing an enemy - offensive) option. Usually used by men in relation to a socially younger person (father to daughter, say).
Temae/Temee - Offensive male version. Usually in relation to the enemy. Something like “bastard” or “bastard.”
Honore (Onore) - Insulting option.
Kisama - A very offensive option. Translated with dots. ^_^ Oddly enough, it literally translates as “noble master.”

Japanese names

Modern Japanese names consist of two parts - the surname, which comes first, and the given name, which comes second. True, the Japanese often write their names in “European order” (first name - surname) if they write them in romaji. For convenience, the Japanese sometimes write their last name in CAPITAL letters so that it is not confused with their first name (due to the inconsistency described above).
The exception is the emperor and members of his family. They don't have a last name. Girls who marry princes also lose their surnames.

Ancient names and surnames

Before the Meiji Restoration, only aristocrats (kuge) and samurai (bushi) had surnames. The rest of the Japanese population was content with personal names and nicknames.
Women of aristocratic and samurai families also usually did not have surnames, since they did not have the right of inheritance. In those cases where women did have surnames, they did not change them upon marriage.

Surnames were divided into two groups - the surnames of aristocrats and the surnames of samurai.
Unlike the number of samurai surnames, the number of aristocratic surnames has practically not increased since ancient times. Many of them went back to the priestly past of the Japanese aristocracy.

The most respected and respected clans of aristocrats were: Konoe, Takashi, Kujo, Ichijo and Gojo. All of them belonged to the Fujiwara clan and had a common name - “Gosetsuke”. From among the men of this family, regents (sessho) and chancellors (kampaku) of Japan were appointed, and from among the women, wives for the emperors were chosen.
The next most important clans were the Hirohata, Daigo, Kuga, Oimikado, Saionji, Sanjo, Imaidegawa, Tokudaji and Kaoin clans. The highest state dignitaries were appointed from among them.

Thus, representatives of the Saionji clan served as imperial grooms (meryo no gogen). Next came all the other aristocratic clans.
The hierarchy of nobility of aristocratic families began to take shape in the 6th century and lasted until the end of the 11th century, when power in the country passed to the samurai. Among them, the clans Genji (Minamoto), Heike (Taira), Hojo, Ashikaga, Tokugawa, Matsudaira, Hosokawa, Shimazu, Oda enjoyed special respect. A number of their representatives at different times were shoguns (military rulers) of Japan.

The personal names of aristocrats and high-ranking samurai were formed from two kanji (hieroglyphs) with a “noble” meaning.

Personal names of samurai servants and peasants were often given according to the principle of "numbering". The first son is Ichiro, the second is Jiro, the third is Saburo, the fourth is Shiro, the fifth is Goro, etc. Also, in addition to “-ro”, the suffixes “-emon”, “-ji”, “-zo”, “-suke”, “-be” were used for this purpose.

Upon entering the period of adolescence, the samurai chose a different name for himself than the one given to him at birth. Sometimes samurai changed their names throughout adult life, for example, to emphasize the onset of a new period (promotion or moving to another duty station). The master had the right to rename his vassal. In cases of serious illness, the name was sometimes changed to that of Amida Buddha to appeal to his mercy.
According to the rules of samurai duels, before the fight, the samurai had to say his full name so that the enemy could decide whether he was worthy of such an opponent. Of course, in life this rule was observed much less often than in novels and chronicles.

The suffix "-hime" was added to the end of the names of girls from noble families. It is often translated as "princess", but in fact it was used to refer to all noble ladies.
The suffix “-gozen” was used for the names of samurai wives. They were often called simply by their husband's surname and rank. Personal names of married women were practically used only by their close relatives.

For the names of monks and nuns from the noble classes, the suffix “-in” was used.

Modern names and surnames

During the Meiji Restoration, all Japanese people were given surnames. Naturally, most of them were associated with various signs of peasant life, especially with rice and its processing. These surnames, like the surnames of the upper class, were also usually made up of two kanji.

The most common Japanese surnames now are Suzuki, Tanaka, Yamamoto, Watanabe, Saito, Sato, Sasaki, Kudo, Takahashi, Kobayashi, Kato, Ito, Murakami, Oonishi, Yamaguchi, Nakamura, Kuroki, Higa.

Men's names have changed less. They also often depend on the “serial number” of the son in the family. The suffixes "-ichi" and "-kazu" meaning "first son" are often used, as are the suffixes "-ji" ("second son") and "-zō" ("third son").
Names containing "shin" are usually considered unlucky and unlucky because "shin" means "death" in Japanese.

Most Japanese girl names end in "-ko" ("child") or "-mi" ("beauty"). Girls, as a rule, are given names associated in meaning with everything beautiful, pleasant and feminine. Unlike male names, female names are usually written in hiragana rather than kanji.

Some modern girls do not like the ending “-ko” in their names and prefer to omit it. For example, a girl named "Yuriko" might call herself "Yuri".

According to a law passed during the time of Emperor Meiji, after marriage, husband and wife are legally required to adopt the same surname. In 98% of cases this is the husband's last name. For several years now, parliament has been discussing an amendment to the Civil Code allowing spouses to keep premarital surnames. However, so far she cannot get the required number of votes.
After death, a Japanese person receives a new, posthumous name (kaimyo), which is written on a special wooden tablet (ihai). This tablet is considered to be the embodiment of the spirit of the deceased and is used in funeral rites. Kaimyo and ihai are purchased from Buddhist monks - sometimes even before the person's death.

The surname in Japanese is called "myoji" (or), "uji" () or "sei" ().

The vocabulary of the Japanese language has long been divided into two types: wago - native Japanese words and kango - borrowed from China. Names are also divided into these types, although a new type is now actively expanding - gairaigo - words borrowed from other languages, but components of this type are rarely used in names.

Modern Japanese names are divided into the following groups:

* kunnye (consisting of vago)
* onny (consisting of kango)
* mixed

The ratio of kun and on surnames is approximately 80% to 20%.

The most common surnames in Japan:

1. Sato
2. Suzuki
3. Takahashi
4. Tanaka
5. Watanabe
6. Ito
7. Yamamoto
8. Nakamura
9. Ohayashi
10. Kobayashi (different surnames, but spelled the same and have approximately the same distribution)
11. Kato

Many surnames, although read according to the onon (Chinese) reading, go back to ancient Japanese words and are written phonetically, and not by meaning.

Examples of such surnames: Kubo - from Japanese. kubo - hole; Sasaki - from the ancient Japanese sasa - small; Abe - from the ancient word ape - to connect, mix. If we take into account such surnames, then the number of native Japanese surnames reaches 90%.

For example, the character (“tree”) is read in kun as ki, but in names it can also be read as ko; The hieroglyph (“up”) can be read in kun as either ue or kami. There are two different surnames, Uemura and Kamimura, which are spelled the same. In addition, there are dropouts and fusions of sounds at the junction of components, for example, in the surname Atsumi, the components individually are read as atsui and umi; and the surname (kana + nari) is often read simply as Kanari.

When combining hieroglyphs, it is typical to alternate the endings of the first component A/E and O/A - for example, kane - Kanagawa, shiro - Shiraoka. In addition, the initial syllables of the second component often become voiced, for example Yamada (yama + ta), Miyazaki (miya + saki). Also, surnames often contain the remainder of the case indicator but or ha (in ancient times it was customary to place them between the first and last names). Usually this indicator is not written, but is read - for example, Ichinomiya (iti + miya); Enomoto (e + moto). But sometimes the case indicator is displayed in writing in hiragana, katakana or hieroglyph - for example, Inoue (and + but + ue); Kinoshita (ki + katakana no + Shita).

The vast majority of surnames in Japanese consist of two characters; surnames with one or three characters are less common, and surnames with four or more characters are very rare.

One-component surnames are mainly of Japanese origin and are formed from nouns or medial forms of verbs. For example, Watari - from watari (Japanese crossing), Hata - the word Hata means “plantation, vegetable garden”. Significantly less common are surnames consisting of one hieroglyph. For example, Cho (Japanese Cho) means “trillion”, In (Japanese) means “reason”.

The majority of Japanese surnames consisting of two components are reported as 60-70%. Of these, the majority are surnames from Japanese roots - it is believed that such surnames are the easiest to read, since most of them are read according to the usual kuns used in the language. Examples - Matsumoto - consists of the nouns used in the language matsu “pine” and moto “root”; Kiyomizu - consists of the stem of the adjective kiyoi - “pure” and the noun mizu - “water”. Chinese two-part surnames are less numerous and usually have one single reading. Often Chinese surnames contain numbers from one to six (excluding four, since this number is read in the same way as “death” si and they try not to use it). Examples: Ichijo, Saito. There are also mixed surnames, where one component is read as on, and the other as kun. Examples: Honda, hon - “base” (on reading) + ta - “rice field” (kun reading); Betsumiya, betsu - “special, different” (on reading) + miya - “temple” (kun reading). Also, a very small part of surnames can be read both in onam and kun: Banzai and Sakanishi, Kunai and Miyauchi.

Three-component surnames often contain Japanese roots written phonetically. Examples: “Kubota (probably the word kubo “hole” is written phonetically), Akutsu (probably the word aku “to open” is written phonetically). However, ordinary three-component surnames consisting of three kun readings are also common. Examples: Yatabe, Onoki. Three-component surnames are also found with Chinese reading.

Four or more component surnames are very rare.

There are surnames with very unusual readings that look like puzzles. Examples: Wakairo - written in hieroglyphs “eighteen-year-old girl”, and read as “young + color”; The surname denoted by the hieroglyph “one” is read as Ninomae, which can be translated as ni no mae “before two”; and the surname Hozue, which can be interpreted as “gathering ears of grain,” is sometimes written as “the first day of the eighth lunar month” - apparently on this day in ancient times the harvest began.

Japanese name(Japanese 人名 jinmei?) these days, as a rule, consists of a family name (surname) followed by a personal name. This is a very common practice in East and Southeast Asia, including Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai and some other cultures.

Names are usually written using kanji, which can have many different pronunciations in different cases.
Modern Japanese names can be compared to names in many other cultures. All Japanese have a single surname and a single given name without a patronymic, with the exception of the Japanese imperial family, whose members do not have a surname.
In Japan, the surname comes first, and then the given name. At the same time, in Western languages ​​(often in Russian) Japanese names are written in the reverse order first name - last name - according to European tradition.
Names in Japan are often created independently from existing characters, so the country has a huge number of unique names. Surnames are more traditional and most often go back to place names. There are significantly more first names in Japanese than surnames. Male and female names differ due to their characteristic components and structure. Reading Japanese proper names is one of the most difficult elements of the Japanese language.

Popular names for boys

Popular names for girls

Popular names in 2009

meaning of names
(most of it has something in common with the previous post (I’ll clean up the repetitions later))
Ai - F - Love
Aiko - F - Favorite child
Akako - F - Red
Akane - F - Sparkling Red
Akemi - F - Dazzlingly beautiful
Akeno - M - Clear morning
Aki - F - Born in autumn
Akiko - F - Autumn child
Akina - F - Spring flower
Akio - M - Handsome
Akira - M - Smart, quick-witted
Akiyama - M - Autumn, mountain
Amaya - F - Night rain
Ami - F - Friend
Amida - M - Name of Buddha
Anda - F - Met in the field
Aneko - F - Older sister
Anzu - F - Apricot
Arata - M - Inexperienced
Arisu - F - Japanese. form of the name Alice
Asuka - F - Scent of Tomorrow
Ayame - F - Iris
Azarni - F - Thistle flower

Botan - M - Peony

Chika - F - Wisdom
Chikako - F - Child of Wisdom
Chinatsu - F - Thousand Years
Chiyo - F - Eternity
Chizu - F - Thousand storks (implies longevity)
Cho - F - Butterfly

Dai - M/F - Great
Daichi - M - Great First Son
Daiki - M - Great Tree
Daisuke - M - Great Help

Etsuko - F - Delightful child

Fujita - M/F - Field, meadow

Gin - F - Silver
Goro - M - Fifth Son

Hana - F - Flower
Hanako - F - Flower Child
Haru - M - Born in Spring
Haruka - F - Distant
Haruko - F - Spring
Hachiro - M - Eighth Son
Hideaki - M - Brilliant, excellent
Hikaru - M/F - Light, shining
Hide - F - Fertile
Hiroko - F - Generous
Hiroshi - M - Generous
Hitomi - F - Doubly beautiful
Hoshi - F - Star
Hotaka - M - Name of a mountain in Japan
Hotaru - F - Firefly

Ichiro - M - First Son

Ima - F - Gift
Isami - M - Courage
Ishi - F - Stone
Izanami - F - Attractive
Izumi - F - Fountain

Jiro - M - Second Son
Joben - M - Loving cleanliness
Jomei - M - Bringing light
Junko - F - Pure child
Juro - M - Tenth Son

Kado - M - Gate
Kaede - F - Maple leaf
Kagami - F - Mirror
Kameko - F - Turtle Child (symbol of longevity)
Kanaye - M - Diligent
Kano - M - God of Water
Kasumi - F - Fog
Katashi - M - Hardness
Katsu - M - Victory
Katsuo - M - Victorious Child
Katsuro - M - Victorious Son
Kazuki - M - Joyful World
Kazuko - F - Cheerful child
Kazuo - M - Dear Son
Kei - F - Respectful
Keiko - F - Adored
Keitaro - M - Blessed One
Ken - M - Big Man
Ken`ichi - M - Strong first son
Kenji - M - Strong second son
Kenshin - M - Heart of the Sword
Kenta - M - Healthy and brave
Kichi - F - Lucky
Kichiro - M - Lucky Son
Kiku - F - Chrysanthemum
Kimiko - F - Child of noble blood
Kin - M - Golden
Kioko - F - Happy child
Kisho - M - Having a head on his shoulders
Kita - F - North
Kiyoko - F - Clean
Kiyoshi - M - Quiet
Kohaku - M/F - Amber
Kohana - F - Small flower
Koko - F - Stork
Koto - F - Japanese. musical instrument "koto"
Kotone - F - Sound of koto
Kumiko - F - Forever beautiful
Kuri - F - Chestnut
Kuro - M - Ninth Son
Kyo - M - Agreement (or redhead)
Kyoko - F - Mirror

Leiko - F - Arrogant

Machi - F - Ten thousand years
Machiko - F - Lucky Child
Maeko - F - Honest child
Maemi - F - Sincere smile
Mai - F - Bright
Makoto - M - Sincere
Mamiko - F - Child Mami
Mamoru - M - Earth
Manami - F - The beauty of love
Mariko - F - Child of Truth
Marise - M/F - Infinite
Masa - M/F - Straightforward (person)
Masakazu - M - First son of Masa
Mashiro - M - Wide
Matsu - F - Pine
Mayako - F - Child Maya
Mayoko - F - Child Mayo
Mayuko - F - Child Mayu
Michi - F - Fair
Michie - F - Gracefully hanging flower
Michiko - F - Beautiful and wise
Michio - M - A man with the strength of three thousand
Midori - F - Green
Mihoko - F - Child Miho
Mika - F - New Moon
Miki - M/F - Stalk
Mikio - M - Three woven trees
Mina - F - South
Minako - F - Beautiful child

Mine - F - Brave Defender
Minoru - M - Seed
Misaki - F - The Bloom of Beauty
Mitsuko - F - Child of Light
Miya - F - Three arrows
Miyako - F - Beautiful child of March
Mizuki - F - Beautiful Moon
Momoko - F - Child Peach
Montaro - M - Big Guy
Moriko - F - Child of the Forest
Morio - M - Forest Boy
Mura - F - Country
Mutsuko - F - Child Mutsu

Japanese names and their meanings

Nahoko - F - Child Naho
Nami - F - Wave
Namiko - F - Child of the Waves
Nana - F - Apple
Naoko - F - Obedient child
Naomi - F - “First of all, beauty”
Nara - F - Oak
Nariko - F - Sissy
Natsuko - F - Summer child
Natsumi - F - Wonderful Summer
Nayoko - F - Baby Nayo
Nibori - M - Famous
Nikki - M/F - Two trees
Nikko - M - Daylight
Nori - F - Law
Noriko - F - Child of the Law
Nozomi - F - Nadezhda
Nyoko - F - Gemstone

Oki - F - Middle of the Ocean
Orino - F - Peasant meadow
Osamu - M - Firmness of the Law

Rafu - M - Network
Rai - F - Truth
Raidon - M - God of Thunder
Ran - F - Water lily
Rei - F - Gratitude
Reiko - F - Gratitude
Ren - F - Water lily
Renjiro - M - Honest
Renzo - M - Third Son
Riko - F - Child of Jasmine
Rin - F - Unfriendly
Rinji - M - Peaceful Forest
Rini - F - Little bunny
Risako - F - Child Risa
Ritsuko - F - Child Ritsu
Roka - M - White wave crest
Rokuro - M - Sixth Son
Ronin - M - Samurai without a master
Rumiko - F - Child Rumi
Ruri - F - Emerald
Ryo - M - Excellent
Ryoichi - M - First son of Ryo
Ryoko - F - Child Ryo
Ryota - M - Strong (fat)
Ryozo - M - Third son of Ryo
Ryuichi - M - First son of Ryu
Ryuu - M - Dragon

Saburo - M - Third Son
Sachi - F - Happiness
Sachiko - F - Child of Happiness
Sachio - M - Fortunately born
Saeko - F - Child Sae
Saki - F - Cape (geographical)
Sakiko - F - Child Saki
Sakuko - F - Child Saku
Sakura - F - Cherry blossoms
Sanako - F - Child Sana
Sango - F - Coral
Saniiro - M - Wonderful
Satu - F - Sugar
Sayuri - F - Little lily
Seiichi - M - Sei's first son
Sen - M - Spirit of the Tree
Shichiro - M - Seventh Son
Shika - F - Deer
Shima - M - Islander
Shina - F - Decent
Shinichi - M - First son of Shin
Shiro - M - Fourth Son
Shizuka - F - Quiet
Sho - M - Prosperity
Sora - F - Sky
Sorano - F - Heavenly
Suki - F - Favorite
Suma - F - Asking
Sumi - F - Purified (religious)
Susumi - M - Moving forward (successful)
Suzu - F - Bell (bell)
Suzume - F - Sparrow

Tadao - M - Helpful
Taka - F - Noble
Takako - F - Tall child
Takara - F - Treasure
Takashi - M - Famous
Takehiko - M - Bamboo Prince
Takeo - M - Bamboo-like
Takeshi - M - Bamboo tree or brave
Takumi - M - Craftsman
Tama - M/F - Gemstone
Tamiko - F - Child of Abundance
Tani - F - From the Valley (child)
Taro - M - Firstborn
Taura - F - Many lakes; many rivers
Teijo - M - Fair
Tomeo - M - Cautious person
Tomiko - F - Child of Wealth
Tora - F - Tigress
Torio - M - Bird tail
Toru - M - Sea
Toshi - F - Mirror image
Toshiro - M - Talented
Toya - M/F - House door
Tsukiko - F - Moon Child
Tsuyu - F - Morning Dew

Udo - M - Ginseng
Ume - F - Plum blossom
Umeko - F - Plum Blossom Child
Usagi - F - Rabbit
Uyeda - M - From the rice field (child)

Yachi - F - Eight thousand
Yasu - F - Calm
Yasuo - M - Mirny
Yayoi - F - March
Yogi - M - Yoga practitioner
Yoko - F - Child of the Sun
Yori - F - Trustworthy
Yoshi - F - Perfection
Yoshiko - F - Perfect Child
Yoshiro - M - Perfect Son
Yuki - M - Snow
Yukiko - F - Snow Child
Yukio - M - Cherished by God
Yuko - F - Kind child
Yumako - F - Child Yuma
Yumi - F - Bow-like (weapon)
Yumiko - F - Child of the Arrow
Yuri - F - Lily
Yuriko - F - Lily's Child
Yuu - M - Noble Blood
Yuudai - M - Great Hero

Nagisa - "coast"
Kaworu - "to smell"
Ritsuko - "science", "attitude"
Akagi - "mahogany"
Shinji - "death"
Misato - "beautiful city"
Katsuragi - "fortress with walls entwined with grass"
Asuka - lit. "love-love"
Soryu - "central current"
Ayanami - "strip of fabric", "wave pattern"
Rei - “zero”, “example”, “soul”
KENSHIN name means "Heart of the Sword".

Japanese names and their meanings

Akito - Sparkling Man
Kuramori Reika - "Treasure Protector" and "Cold Summer" Rurouni - Wandering Wanderer
Himura - "Burning Village"
Shishio Makoto - True Hero
Takani Megumi - "Sublime Love"
Shinomori Aoshi - "Green Bamboo Forest"
Makimachi Misao - "Run the City"
Saito Hajime - "The Beginning of Human Life"
Hiko Seijuro - "Justice Prevailed"
Seta Sojiro - “Comprehensive Forgiveness”
Mirai - the future
Hajime - boss
Mamoru - protector
Jibo - earth
Hikari – light
Atarashiki – transformations
Namida - tears
Sora - sky
Ginga - the universe
Eva is alive
Izya is a doctor
Usagi - hare
Tsukino – Lunar
Rey - soul
Hino – fire
Ami - rain
Mitsuno - merman
Kori – ice, icy
Makoto is true
Cinema – aerial, forest
Minako – Venus
Aino – loving
Setsuna - guard
Mayo – castle, palace
Haruka – 1) distant, 2) heavenly
Teno - heavenly
Michiru - the way
Kayo - sea
Hotaru – light
Tomo is a friend.
Kaori - soft, affectionate
Yumi - "Fragrant Beauty"

Hakufu - Noble Sign

Nominal suffixes
In the Japanese language, there is a whole set of so-called nominal suffixes, that is, suffixes added in colloquial speech to first names, surnames, nicknames and other words denoting an interlocutor or a third party. They are used to indicate the social relationship between the speaker and the one being spoken about. The choice of suffix is ​​determined by the character of the speaker (normal, rude, very polite), their attitude towards the listener (common politeness, respect, ingratiation, rudeness, arrogance), their position in society and the situation in which the conversation takes place (one-on-one, in a circle of loved ones friends, between colleagues, between strangers, in public). What follows is a list of some of these suffixes (in order of increasing "respectfulness") and their common meanings.

Tti (cchi) - Children's version of "-chan" (cf. "Tamagotti").

Ue (ue) - “Elder”. A rare and outdated respectful suffix used for older family members. Not used with names - only with designations of position in the family (“father”, “mother”, “brother”).

Japanese names
Modern Japanese names consist of two parts - the surname, which comes first, and the given name, which comes second. True, the Japanese often write their names in “European order” (first name - surname) if they write them in romaji. For convenience, the Japanese sometimes write their last name in CAPITAL letters so that it is not confused with their first name (due to the inconsistency described above).
The exception is the emperor and members of his family. They don't have a last name. Girls who marry princes also lose their surnames.

Ancient names and surnames
Before the Meiji Restoration, only aristocrats (kuge) and samurai (bushi) had surnames. The rest of the Japanese population was content with personal names and nicknames.
Women of aristocratic and samurai families also usually did not have surnames, since they did not have the right of inheritance. In those cases where women did have surnames, they did not change them upon marriage.

Surnames were divided into two groups - the surnames of aristocrats and the surnames of samurai.
Unlike the number of samurai surnames, the number of aristocratic surnames has practically not increased since ancient times. Many of them went back to the priestly past of the Japanese aristocracy.

The most respected and respected clans of aristocrats were: Konoe, Takashi, Kujo, Ichijo and Gojo. All of them belonged to the Fujiwara clan and had a common name - “Gosetsuke”. From among the men of this family, regents (sessho) and chancellors (kampaku) of Japan were appointed, and from among the women, wives for the emperors were chosen.
The next most important clans were the Hirohata, Daigo, Kuga, Oimikado, Saionji, Sanjo, Imaidegawa, Tokudaji and Kaoin clans. The highest state dignitaries were appointed from among them.

Thus, representatives of the Saionji clan served as imperial grooms (meryo no gogen). Next came all the other aristocratic clans.
The hierarchy of nobility of aristocratic families began to take shape in the 6th century and lasted until the end of the 11th century, when power in the country passed to the samurai. Among them, the clans Genji (Minamoto), Heike (Taira), Hojo, Ashikaga, Tokugawa, Matsudaira, Hosokawa, Shimazu, Oda enjoyed special respect. A number of their representatives at different times were shoguns (military rulers) of Japan.

Upon entering the period of adolescence, the samurai chose a different name for himself than the one given to him at birth. Sometimes samurai changed their names throughout adult life, for example, to emphasize the onset of a new period (promotion or moving to another duty station). The master had the right to rename his vassal. In cases of serious illness, the name was sometimes changed to that of Amida Buddha to appeal to his mercy.
According to the rules of samurai duels, before the fight, the samurai had to say his full name so that the enemy could decide whether he was worthy of such an opponent. Of course, in life this rule was observed much less often than in novels and chronicles.

The suffix "-hime" was added to the end of the names of girls from noble families. It is often translated as "princess", but in fact it was used to refer to all noble ladies.
The suffix “-gozen” was used for the names of samurai wives. They were often called simply by their husband's surname and rank. Personal names of married women were practically used only by their close relatives.

Modern names and surnames
During the Meiji Restoration, all Japanese people were given surnames. Naturally, most of them were associated with various signs of peasant life, especially with rice and its processing. These surnames, like the surnames of the upper class, were also usually made up of two kanji.

The most common Japanese surnames now are Suzuki, Tanaka, Yamamoto, Watanabe, Saito, Sato, Sasaki, Kudo, Takahashi, Kobayashi, Kato, Ito, Murakami, Oonishi, Yamaguchi, Nakamura, Kuroki, Higa.

Men's names have changed less. They also often depend on the “serial number” of the son in the family. The suffixes "-ichi" and "-kazu" meaning "first son" are often used, as are the suffixes "-ji" ("second son") and "-zō" ("third son").
Names containing "shin" are usually considered unlucky and unlucky because "shin" means "death" in Japanese.

Most Japanese girl names end in "-ko" ("child") or "-mi" ("beauty"). Girls, as a rule, are given names associated in meaning with everything beautiful, pleasant and feminine. Unlike male names, female names are usually written in hiragana rather than kanji.

According to a law passed during the time of Emperor Meiji, after marriage, husband and wife are legally required to adopt the same surname. In 98% of cases this is the husband's last name. For several years now, parliament has been discussing an amendment to the Civil Code allowing spouses to keep premarital surnames. However, so far she cannot get the required number of votes.
After death, a Japanese person receives a new, posthumous name (kaimyo), which is written on a special wooden tablet (ihai). This tablet is considered to be the embodiment of the spirit of the deceased and is used in funeral rites. Kaimyo and ihai are purchased from Buddhist monks - sometimes even before the person's death.

The surname in Japanese is called "myoji" (苗字 or 名字), "uji" (氏) or "sei" (姓).

The vocabulary of the Japanese language has long been divided into two types: wago (Japanese 和語?) - native Japanese words and kango (Japanese 漢語?) - borrowed from China. Names are also divided into these types, although a new type is now actively expanding - gairaigo (Japanese 外来語?) - words borrowed from other languages, but components of this type are rarely used in names.

kunnye (consisting of vago)
onny (consisting of kango)
mixed

Sato (Japanese: 佐藤 Sato:?)
Suzuki (Japanese: 鈴木?)
Takahashi (Japanese: 高橋?)
Tanaka (Japanese: 田中?)
Watanabe (Japanese: 渡辺?)
Ito (Japanese: 伊藤 Ito:?)
Yamamoto (Japanese: 山本?)
Nakamura (Japanese: 中村?)
Ohayashi (Japanese: 小林?)
Kobayashi (Japanese: 小林?) (different surnames, but spelled the same and have approximately the same distribution)
Kato (Japanese: 加藤 Kato:?)

Three-component surnames often contain Japanese roots written phonetically. Examples: 久保田 "Kubota (probably the word 窪 kubo "hole" is written phonetically as 久保), 阿久津 Akutsu (probably the word 明く aku "to open" is written phonetically as 阿久). However, ordinary three-component surnames consisting of three kun readings are also common. Examples: 矢田部 Yatabe, 小野木 Onoki.There are also three-component surnames with Chinese reading.

Four or more component surnames are very rare.

There are surnames with very unusual readings that look like puzzles. Examples: 十八女 Wakairo - written in hieroglyphs for “eighteen-year-old girl”, and read as 若色 “young + color”; The surname denoted by the hieroglyph 一 “one” is read as Ninomae, which can be translated as 二の前 ni no mae “before two”; and the surname 穂積 Hozue, which can be interpreted as “gathering ears of grain,” is sometimes written as 八月一日 “the first day of the eighth lunar month” - apparently on this day in ancient times the harvest began.

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Japanese surnames

Japanese surnames

Japanese full name, as a rule, consists of a family name (surname), followed by a personal name. According to tradition in Japan, the surname comes first, and then the given name. This is a common practice in East and Southeast Asia, including Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai and several other cultures.

Modern Japanese often write their names in European order (personal name, and then surname of the clan), if they write in Latin or Cyrillic.

All Japanese people have a single surname and a single given name. no middle name, except for the Japanese imperial family, whose members do not have a surname.

The first law on Japanese names and surnames appeared at the beginning of the Meiji era - in 1870. According to this law, every Japanese was required to choose a surname for himself. Most of the surnames created at that time come from the names of the area of ​​​​residence. And many Japanese surnames represent various rural landscapes.

Japanese surnames (list)

Akiyama

Asano

Asayama

Arai

Araki

Vada

Watanabe

Yoshimura

Ikeda

Imai

Inoe

Isis

Ishikawa

Katsura

Kido

Kimura

Kita

Kitano

Kobayashi

Kojima

Condo

Kubo

Kubota

Kuroki

Maruyama

Machida

Matsuda

Matsui

Maeda

Minami

Miura

Morimoto

Morita

Murakami

Murata

Nagai

Nakai

Nakagawa

Nakada

Nakamura

Nakano

Nakahara

Nakayama

Narazaki

Ogawa

Ozawa

Okada

Oonisi

Oono

Oyama

Sawada

Sakai

Sakamoto

Sano

Shibata

Suzuki

Taguchi

Takano

Tamura

Tanaka

Tanigawa

Takahashi

Tachibana

Takeda

Uchida

Ueda

Uematsu

Fujita

Fuji

Fujimoto

Fukushima

Hara

Hattori

Hayashi

Hirano

Honda

Hoshino

Tsubaki

Enomoto

Yamada

Yamaki

Yamanaka

Yamasaki

Yamamoto

Yamamura

Yamashita

Yamauchi

Yasuda

The most common Japanese surnames

Suzuki (Wooden bell)

Watanabe (Walk around the neighborhood)

Tanaka (Centre)

Yamamoto (Foot of the Mountain)

Takahashi (High Bridge)

Kobayashi (Little Forest)

Murakami (Village Head)

Nakamura (Village Center)

Oonisi (Greater West)

Hashimoto (bridge)

Miura (three bays)

Takano (plain)

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Japanese surnames

For the Japanese, a beautiful combination of first and last name is the main thing. They consider it a complex science. It is known that when choosing a name for a child, they trust only people who specialize in this. Because of such a serious attitude to the choice of names, in the same village you can never hear the same names of boys and girls. In Japan there is no such thing as a “namesake,” and all because the Japanese prefer to use their surnames rather than their given names, of which, by the way, there are many.

First name after last name

Japanese names consist of two adjectives: the family surname and the personal name. In Japan, in turn, the surname is the main one; it is written and spoken first everywhere. Modern Japanese are accustomed to writing their first and last names like Europeans, but in order to designate their last name as the main one, they write it in capital letters. Europeans do not attach importance to this strange and serious attitude of the Japanese towards their surnames, which is why misunderstandings arise regarding the reading, translation and transcription of Japanese names and surnames.

Until the second half of the 19th century, only aristocrats and samurai had surnames in Japan; even their wives did not have the honor of bearing a surname. The rest of the population had only nicknames and personal names. The most notable were the clans of aristocrats - Fuji, which had the general name "Gosetsuke". Today, in the dictionary of Japanese surnames, there are 100,000 family names, of which approximately 70,000 appeared 135 years ago (for comparison: in Europe 50,000, in China a couple of hundred, in Korea about 160, in Russia approximately 85,000, in the USA more than 1 million names). During the Eminence Reign (1868–1911), the reigning Emperor Mutsuhito ordered all Japanese peasants to choose any surname for their family. The Japanese were shocked by this idea; many did not know what to come up with. Some wrote the name of their locality, others the name of their store, and creative people themselves came up with an unusual surname that was consonant with the name.

A surname is a hereditary clan name, which in Japan is passed down from father to children; wives almost always take their husband's surname.

The first legislation on Japanese surnames appeared in 1870, it stated that every Japanese must take a surname. By this time, already 35 million of the population (descendants of aristocrats and samurai) had surnames.

70% of Japanese surnames consist of two characters. It is very rare to find a surname consisting of 3 or more hieroglyphs.

Types of surnames

The first type includes surnames indicating place of residence. The Dictionary of Japanese Surnames considers this type to be the leading one. Often it uses not only names settlements, but also the name of trees, rivers, terrain, settlements, reservoirs, etc.

Very often, Japanese surnames are associated with peasant life, rice growing and harvesting (almost 60%), it is rare to find an interesting or simply beautiful (from the point of view of a Russian-speaking person) surname.

The second type includes surnames formed as a result of simple professions. For example, “Inukai” - translated this word means nothing more than “dog breeder”.

The third type includes individual nicknames.

Rare but apt beautiful surnames

Here is a small list of popular, beautiful and unusual surnames:

• Akiyama - autumn;
• Araki - tree;
• Baba is a horse;
• Wada - rice field;
• Yoshida - happiness;
• Yoshikawa - river;
• Kaneko - gold;
• Mizuno - water;
• Suzuki - bell;
• Takagi is a tall tree;
• Fukui - happiness;
• Homma - good luck;
• Yano is an arrow.

Common surname

In Japan, surnames have no ancestral affiliation. One surname suits both men and women.

Previously, Japanese law stipulated that husband and wife must have the same surname. Until 1946, only the husband's surname could be family, but the constitution written in the post-war period abolished this inequality. Modern Japanese can choose a surname if they wish, whether for a husband or a wife, but according to the traditions of old times, spouses settle on the man’s surname.

Interesting Japanese surnames

For Russian people, all Japanese names and surnames seem interesting and unusual. But there are those whose translation sounds like real music.

This is, for example:

• Igarashi - 50 storms;
• Katayama - wild well;
• Kikuchi - chrysanthemum.

Common surnames in Japan

The most popular Japanese surnames in alphabetical order offers, of course, a dictionary of Japanese surnames. Among the surnames:

• A- Ando, ​​Arai, Araki, Asano, Akiyama, Asayama.
• AND- Imai, Ito, Iwasaki, Iwata, Igarasti, Iida, Inoe, Isis (despite the similarity in sound, she is in no way connected with the ancient Egyptian goddess), Ishihara, Ichikawa.
• TO- Kawaguchi, Kawasaki, Kaneko, Kitano.
• M- Maruyama, Masuda, Morimoto, Matila.
• N- Nakahara, Narita, Nakanishi.
• ABOUT- Oyama, Okazaki, Okumura, Ogiva, Ootsuoka.
• WITH- Saida, Sato, Sano, Sakurai, Shibada, Shima.
• T- Tachibana, Takaki, Takeguchi.
• U- Ueda, Uematsu, Ueno, Uchida.
• F- Fujii, Fukushima, Fujimomo, Fujiwra
• X- Hattori, Hattoti, Hirai, Hirata, Hirosa, Homma, Hori.
• C- Tsubaki, Tsuji, Tsuchiya
• I- Yamamura, Yano, Yamanaka, Yamamoto, Yamashita, Yamauchi, Yasuda, Yamashita.

And also Enomoto, Yumake are also on the list of popular and widespread ones, according to the data offered by the dictionary of Japanese surnames.

GACKT and a little Yaoi...

Japanese names and their meanings

Japanese names (人名 jinmei?) these days usually consist of a family name (surname) followed by a personal name. This is a very common practice in East and Southeast Asia, including Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai and some other cultures.

Names are usually written using kanji, which can have many different pronunciations in different cases.
Modern Japanese names can be compared to names in many other cultures. All Japanese have a single surname and a single given name without a patronymic, with the exception of the Japanese imperial family, whose members do not have a surname.
In Japan, the surname comes first, and then the given name. At the same time, in Western languages ​​(often in Russian) Japanese names are written in the reverse order first name - last name - according to European tradition.
Names in Japan are often created independently from existing characters, so the country has a huge number of unique names. Surnames are more traditional and most often go back to place names. There are significantly more first names in Japanese than surnames. Male and female names differ due to their characteristic components and structure. Reading Japanese proper names is one of the most difficult elements of the Japanese language.

Using the tables below you can see how preferences have changed when choosing names over the past almost 100 years:

Japanese names

Ai - F - Love
Aiko - F - Favorite child
Akako - F - Red
Akane - F - Sparkling Red
Akemi - F - Dazzlingly beautiful
Akeno - M - Clear morning
Aki - F - Born in autumn
Akiko - F - Autumn child
Akina - F - Spring flower
Akio - M - Handsome
Akira - M - Smart, quick-witted
Akiyama - M - Autumn, mountain
Amaya - F - Night rain
Ami - F - Friend
Amida - M - Name of Buddha
Anda - F - Met in the field
Aneko - F - Older sister
Anzu - F - Apricot
Arata - M - Inexperienced
Arisu - F - Japanese. form of the name Alice
Asuka - F - Scent of Tomorrow
Ayame - F - Iris
Azarni - F - Thistle flower
Benjiro - M - Enjoying the World
Botan - M - Peony
Chika - F - Wisdom
Chikako - F - Child of Wisdom
Chinatsu - F - Thousand Years
Chiyo - F - Eternity
Chizu - F - Thousand storks (implies longevity)
Cho - F - Butterfly
Dai - M/F - Great
Daichi - M - Great First Son
Daiki - M - Great Tree
Daisuke - M - Great Help
Etsu - F - Delightful, charming
Etsuko - F - Delightful child
Fudo - M - God of fire and wisdom
Fujita - M/F - Field, meadow
Gin - F - Silver
Goro - M - Fifth Son
Hana - F - Flower
Hanako - F - Flower Child
Haru - M - Born in Spring
Haruka - F - Distant
Haruko - F - Spring
Hachiro - M - Eighth Son
Hideaki - M - Brilliant, excellent
Hikaru - M/F - Light, shining
Hide - F - Fertile
Hiroko - F - Generous
Hiroshi - M - Generous
Hitomi - F - Doubly beautiful
Hoshi - F - Star
Hotaka - M - Name of a mountain in Japan
Hotaru - F - Firefly
Ichiro - M - First Son
Ima - F - Gift
Isami - M - Courage
Ishi - F - Stone
Izanami - F - Attractive
Izumi - F - Fountain
Jiro - M - Second Son
Joben - M - Loving cleanliness
Jomei - M - Bringing light
Junko - F - Pure child
Juro - M - Tenth Son
Kado - M - Gate
Kaede - F - Maple leaf
Kagami - F - Mirror
Kameko - F - Turtle Child (symbol of longevity)
Kanaye - M - Diligent
Kano - M - God of Water
Kasumi - F - Fog
Katashi - M - Hardness
Katsu - M - Victory
Katsuo - M - Victorious Child
Katsuro - M - Victorious Son
Kazuki - M - Joyful World
Kazuko - F - Cheerful child
Kazuo - M - Dear Son
Kei - F - Respectful
Keiko - F - Adored
Keitaro - M - Blessed One
Ken - M - Big Man
Ken`ichi - M - Strong first son
Kenji - M - Strong second son
Kenshin - M - Heart of the Sword
Kenta - M - Healthy and brave
Kichi - F - Lucky
Kichiro - M - Lucky Son
Kiku - F - Chrysanthemum
Kimiko - F - Child of noble blood
Kin - M - Golden
Kioko - F - Happy child
Kisho - M - Having a head on his shoulders
Kita - F - North
Kiyoko - F - Clean
Kiyoshi - M - Quiet
Kohaku - M/F - Amber
Kohana - F - Small flower
Koko - F - Stork
Koto - F - Japanese. musical instrument "koto"
Kotone - F - Sound of koto
Kumiko - F - Forever beautiful
Kuri - F - Chestnut
Kuro - M - Ninth Son
Kyo - M - Agreement (or redhead)
Kyoko - F - Mirror
Leiko - F - Arrogant
Machi - F - Ten thousand years
Machiko - F - Lucky Child
Maeko - F - Honest child
Maemi - F - Sincere smile
Mai - F - Bright
Makoto - M - Sincere
Mamiko - F - Child Mami
Mamoru - M - Earth
Manami - F - The beauty of love
Mariko - F - Child of Truth
Marise - M/F - Infinite
Masa - M/F - Straightforward (person)
Masakazu - M - First son of Masa
Mashiro - M - Wide
Matsu - F - Pine
Mayako - F - Child Maya
Mayoko - F - Child Mayo
Mayuko - F - Child Mayu
Michi - F - Fair
Michie - F - Gracefully hanging flower
Michiko - F - Beautiful and wise
Michio - M - A man with the strength of three thousand
Midori - F - Green
Mihoko - F - Child Miho
Mika - F - New Moon
Miki - M/F - Stalk
Mikio - M - Three woven trees
Mina - F - South
Minako - F - Beautiful child
Mine - F - Brave Defender
Minoru - M - Seed
Misaki - F - The Bloom of Beauty
Mitsuko - F - Child of Light
Miya - F - Three arrows
Miyako - F - Beautiful child of March
Mizuki - F - Beautiful Moon
Momoko - F - Child Peach
Montaro - M - Big Guy
Moriko - F - Child of the Forest
Morio - M - Forest Boy
Mura - F - Country
Mutsuko - F - Child Mutsu

Japanese names and their meanings

Nahoko - F - Child Naho
Nami - F - Wave
Namiko - F - Child of the Waves
Nana - F - Apple
Naoko - F - Obedient child
Naomi - F - “First of all, beauty”
Nara - F - Oak
Nariko - F - Sissy
Natsuko - F - Summer child
Natsumi - F - Wonderful Summer
Nayoko - F - Baby Nayo
Nibori - M - Famous
Nikki - M/F - Two trees
Nikko - M - Daylight
Nori - F - Law
Noriko - F - Child of the Law
Nozomi - F - Nadezhda
Nyoko - F - Gemstone
Oki - F - Middle of the Ocean
Orino - F - Peasant meadow
Osamu - M - Firmness of the Law
Rafu - M - Network
Rai - F - Truth
Raidon - M - God of Thunder
Ran - F - Water lily
Rei - F - Gratitude
Reiko - F - Gratitude
Ren - F - Water lily
Renjiro - M - Honest
Renzo - M - Third Son
Riko - F - Child of Jasmine
Rin - F - Unfriendly
Rinji - M - Peaceful Forest
Rini - F - Little bunny
Risako - F - Child Risa
Ritsuko - F - Child Ritsu
Roka - M - White wave crest
Rokuro - M - Sixth Son
Ronin - M - Samurai without a master
Rumiko - F - Child Rumi
Ruri - F - Emerald
Ryo - M - Excellent
Ryoichi - M - First son of Ryo
Ryoko - F - Child Ryo
Ryota - M - Strong (fat)
Ryozo - M - Third son of Ryo
Ryuichi - M - First son of Ryu
Ryuu - M - Dragon
Saburo - M - Third Son
Sachi - F - Happiness
Sachiko - F - Child of Happiness
Sachio - M - Fortunately born
Saeko - F - Child Sae
Saki - F - Cape (geographical)
Sakiko - F - Child Saki
Sakuko - F - Child Saku
Sakura - F - Cherry blossoms
Sanako - F - Child Sana
Sango - F - Coral
Saniiro - M - Wonderful
Satu - F - Sugar
Sayuri - F - Little lily
Seiichi - M - Sei's first son
Sen - M - Spirit of the Tree
Shichiro - M - Seventh Son
Shika - F - Deer
Shima - M - Islander
Shina - F - Decent
Shinichi - M - First son of Shin
Shiro - M - Fourth Son
Shizuka - F - Quiet
Sho - M - Prosperity
Sora - F - Sky
Sorano - F - Heavenly
Suki - F - Favorite
Suma - F - Asking
Sumi - F - Purified (religious)
Susumi - M - Moving forward (successful)
Suzu - F - Bell (bell)
Suzume - F - Sparrow
Tadao - M - Helpful
Taka - F - Noble
Takako - F - Tall child
Takara - F - Treasure
Takashi - M - Famous
Takehiko - M - Bamboo Prince
Takeo - M - Bamboo-like
Takeshi - M - Bamboo tree or brave
Takumi - M - Craftsman
Tama - M/F - Gemstone
Tamiko - F - Child of Abundance
Tani - F - From the Valley (child)
Taro - M - Firstborn
Taura - F - Many lakes; many rivers
Teijo - M - Fair
Tomeo - M - Cautious person
Tomiko - F - Child of Wealth
Tora - F - Tigress
Torio - M - Bird tail
Toru - M - Sea
Toshi - F - Mirror image
Toshiro - M - Talented
Toya - M/F - House door
Tsukiko - F - Moon Child
Tsuyu - F - Morning Dew
Udo - M - Ginseng
Ume - F - Plum blossom
Umeko - F - Plum Blossom Child
Usagi - F - Rabbit
Uyeda - M - From the rice field (child)
Yachi - F - Eight thousand
Yasu - F - Calm
Yasuo - M - Mirny
Yayoi - F - March
Yogi - M - Yoga practitioner
Yoko - F - Child of the Sun
Yori - F - Trustworthy
Yoshi - F - Perfection
Yoshiko - F - Perfect Child
Yoshiro - M - Perfect Son
Yuki - M - Snow
Yukiko - F - Snow Child
Yukio - M - Cherished by God
Yuko - F - Kind child
Yumako - F - Child Yuma
Yumi - F - Bow-like (weapon)
Yumiko - F - Child of the Arrow
Yuri - F - Lily
Yuriko - F - Lily's Child
Yuu - M - Noble Blood
Yuudai - M - Great Hero
Nagisa - "coast"
Kaworu - "to smell"
Ritsuko - "science", "attitude"
Akagi - "mahogany"
Shinji - "death"
Misato - "beautiful city"
Katsuragi - "fortress with walls entwined with grass"
Asuka - lit. "love-love"
Soryu - "central current"
Ayanami - "strip of fabric", "wave pattern"
Rei - “zero”, “example”, “soul”
KENSHIN name means "Heart of the Sword".

Japanese names and their meanings

Akito - Sparkling Man
Kuramori Reika - "Treasure Protector" and "Cold Summer" Rurouni - Wandering Wanderer
Himura - "Burning Village"
Shishio Makoto - True Hero
Takani Megumi - "Sublime Love"
Shinomori Aoshi - "Green Bamboo Forest"
Makimachi Misao - "Run the City"
Saito Hajime - "The Beginning of Human Life"
Hiko Seijuro - "Justice Prevailed"
Seta Sojiro - “Comprehensive Forgiveness”
Mirai - the future
Hajime - boss
Mamoru - protector
Jibo - earth
Hikari – light
Atarashiki – transformations
Namida - tears
Sora - sky
Ginga - the universe
Eva is alive
Izya is a doctor
Usagi - hare
Tsukino – Lunar
Rey - soul
Hino – fire
Ami - rain
Mitsuno - merman
Kori – ice, icy
Makoto is true
Cinema – aerial, forest
Minako – Venus
Aino – loving
Setsuna - guard
Mayo – castle, palace
Haruka – 1) distant, 2) heavenly
Teno - heavenly
Michiru - the way
Kayo - sea
Hotaru – light
Tomo is a friend.
Kaori - soft, affectionate
Yumi - "Fragrant Beauty"
Hakufu - Noble Sign

Japanese names, last names and their meanings
What to name the child?

For future parents in Japan, special collections of names are published - just like here in general - so that they can choose the most suitable one for their child. In general, the process of choosing (or coming up with) a name comes down to one of the following ways:
1. a keyword can be used in the name - a seasonal phenomenon, a shade of color, a precious stone, etc.
2. the name may contain the parents’ wish to become strong, wise or brave, for which the hieroglyphs of strength, wisdom and courage are used, respectively.
3. You can also go from choosing the hieroglyphs you like most (in different spellings) and combining them with each other.
4. It has recently become popular to name a child based on hearing, i.e. depending on how pleasant the desired name is to the ear. Having chosen the desired pronunciation, they determine the hieroglyphs with which this name will be written.
5. It has always been popular to name a child after celebrities - heroes of historical chronicles, politicians, pop stars, TV series characters, etc.
6. Some parents rely on various fortune telling, believing that the number of traits in the hieroglyphs of the first and last names should be combined with each other.
The most common endings for Japanese names are:

Male names: ~aki, ~fumi, ~go, ~haru, ~hei, ~hiko, ~hisa, ~hide, ~hiro, ~ji, ~kazu, ~ki, ~ma, ~masa, ~michi, ~mitsu , ~nari, ~nobu, ~nori, ~o, ~rou, ~shi, ~shige, ~suke, ~ta, ~taka, ~to, ~toshi, ~tomo, ~ya, ~zou

Female names: ~a, ~chi, ~e, ~ho, ~i, ~ka, ~ki, ~ko, ~mi, ~na, ~no, ~o, ~ri, ~sa, ~ya, ~yo
Nominal suffixes

In the Japanese language, there is a whole set of so-called nominal suffixes, that is, suffixes added in colloquial speech to first names, surnames, nicknames and other words denoting an interlocutor or a third party. They are used to indicate the social relationship between the speaker and the one being spoken about. The choice of suffix is ​​determined by the character of the speaker (normal, rude, very polite), their attitude towards the listener (common politeness, respect, ingratiation, rudeness, arrogance), their position in society and the situation in which the conversation takes place (one-on-one, in a circle of loved ones friends, between colleagues, between strangers, in public). The following is a list of some of these suffixes (in order of increasing "respectfulness" Japanese names and their meanings Japanese first name Japan surnames green yaponiya live names and their common meanings.

Tian (chan) - A close analogue of the “diminutive” suffixes of the Russian language. Usually used in relation to a junior or inferior in a social sense, with whom a close relationship develops. There is an element of baby talk in the use of this suffix. Typically used when adults address children, boys address their girlfriends, girlfriends address each other, and small children address each other. The use of this suffix in relation to people who are not very close and equal to the speaker in position is impolite. Let's say, if a guy addresses a girl his age in this way, with whom he is not “having an affair,” then he is being inappropriate. A girl who addresses a guy of her own age in this way, with whom she is not “having an affair,” is, in essence, being rude.

Kun (kun) - An analogue of the address “comrade”. Most often used between men or in relation to guys. Indicates, rather, a certain “officiality” of, nevertheless, close relationships. Let's say, between classmates, partners or friends. It can also be used in relation to juniors or inferior in a social sense, when there is no need to focus on this circumstance.

Yang (yan) - Kansai analogue of "-chan" and "-kun".

Pyon (pyon) - Children's version of "-kun".

Tti (cchi) - Children's version of "-chan" (cf. "Tamagotti" Japanese names and their meanings Japanese name Japan surnames names green yaponiya live.

Without a suffix - Close relationships, but without “lisping.” The usual address of adults to teenage children, friends to each other, etc. If a person does not use suffixes at all, then this is a clear indicator of rudeness. Calling by last name without a suffix is ​​a sign of familiar, but “detached” relationships (a typical example is the relationship of schoolchildren or students).

San (san) - An analogue of the Russian “Mr./Madam”. A general indication of respect. Often used to communicate with strangers, or when all other suffixes are inappropriate. Used in relation to elders, including older relatives (brothers, sisters, parents).

Han (han) - Kansai equivalent of "-san".

Si (shi) - “Master”, used exclusively in official documents after the surname.

Fujin - “Lady”, used exclusively in official documents after the surname.

Kouhai - Appeal to the younger. Especially often - at school in relation to those who are younger than the speaker.

Senpai (senpai) - Appeal to an elder. Especially often - at school in relation to those who are older than the speaker.

Dono (dono) - Rare suffix. Respectful address to an equal or superior, but slightly different in position. Currently considered obsolete and practically not found in communication. In ancient times, it was actively used when samurai addressed each other.

Sensei - “Teacher”. Used to refer to teachers and lecturers themselves, as well as doctors and politicians.

Senshu - “Sportsman”. Used to refer to famous athletes.

Zeki - “Sumo wrestler”. Used to refer to famous sumo wrestlers.

Ue (ue) - “Elder”. A rare and outdated respectful suffix used for older family members. Not used with names - only with designations of position in the family (“father”, “mother”, “brother”) Japanese names and their meanings Japanese name Japan surnames names green yaponiya live.

Sama - The highest degree of respect. Appeal to gods and spirits, to spiritual authorities, girls to lovers, servants to noble masters, etc. Roughly translated into Russian as “respected, dear, venerable.”

Jin (jin) - “One of.” "Saya-jin" - "one of Saya."

Tachi (tachi) - “And friends.” "Goku-tachi" - "Goku and his friends."

Gumi (gumi) - “Team, group, party.” "Kenshin-gumi" - "Team Kenshin".

Japanese names and their meanings
Personal pronouns

In addition to nominal suffixes, Japan also uses many different ways to address each other and refer to themselves using personal pronouns. The choice of pronoun is determined by the social laws already mentioned above. The following is a list of some of these pronouns.

Group with the meaning "I"
Watashi - Polite option. Recommended for use by foreigners. Typically used by men. Infrequently used in colloquial speech, as it carries a connotation of "high style".
Atashi - Polite option. Recommended for use by foreigners. Typically used by women. Or gays. ^_^ Not used when communicating with high-ranking individuals.
Watakushi - A very polite female version.
Washi - An outdated polite option. Doesn't depend on gender.
Wai - Kansai equivalent of washi.
Boku (Boku) - Familiar youth male version. Rarely used by women, in this case “unfemininity” is emphasized. Used in poetry.
Ore - Not a very polite option. Purely masculine. Like, cool. ^_^
Ore-sama - "Great Self". A rare form, an extreme degree of boasting.
Daiko or Naiko (Daikou/Naikou) - Analogous to “ore-sama”, but somewhat less boastful.
Sessha - Very polite form. Typically used by samurai when addressing their masters.
Hishou - “Insignificant.” A very polite form, now practically not used.
Gusei - Similar to hisho, but somewhat less derogatory.
Oira - Polite form. Typically used by monks.
Chin - A special form that only the emperor has the right to use.
Ware - Polite (formal) form, translated as [I/you/he] “himself.” Used when the importance of “I” needs to be particularly expressed. Say, in spells (“I conjure” Japanese names and their meanings Japanese name Japan surnames names green yaponiya live. In modern Japanese it is rarely used in the meaning of “I”. It is more often used to form a reflexive form, for example, “forgetting about yourself” - "ware wo wasurete." [Speaker's name or position] - Used by children or when communicating with them, usually in the family. Say, a girl named Atsuko might say "Atsuko is thirsty." Or her older brother, when addressing her, might say “Brother will bring you some juice.” There is an element of “lisping” in this, but such an address is quite acceptable.

Group meaning “We”
Watashi-tachi - Polite option.
Ware-ware - Very polite, formal option.
Bokura - Impolite option.
Touhou - Regular option.

Group with the meaning “You/You”:
Anata - General polite option. Also a common way for a wife to address her husband (“dear” Japanese names and their meanings Japanese name Japan surnames names green yaponiya live.
Anta - Less polite option. Typically used by young people. A slight hint of disrespect.
Otaku - Literally translated as “Your home.” A very polite and rare form. Due to the ironic use by Japanese informals in relation to each other, the second meaning was fixed - “feng, crazy.”
Kimi - Polite option, often between friends. Used in poetry.
Kijo (Kijou) - “Mistress”. A very polite form of addressing a lady.
Onushi - “Insignificant.” An outdated form of polite speech.
Omae - Familiar (when addressing an enemy - offensive) option. Usually used by men in relation to a socially younger person (father to daughter, say).
Temae/Temee - Offensive male version. Usually in relation to the enemy. Something like “bastard” or “bastard.”
Honore (Onore) - Insulting option.
Kisama - A very offensive option. Translated with dots. ^_^ Oddly enough, it literally translates as “noble master.”

Japanese names

Modern Japanese names consist of two parts - the surname, which comes first, and the given name, which comes second. True, the Japanese often write their names in “European order” (first name - surname) if they write them in romaji. For convenience, the Japanese sometimes write their last name in CAPITAL letters so that it is not confused with their first name (due to the inconsistency described above).

The exception is the emperor and members of his family. They don't have a last name. Girls who marry princes also lose their surnames.
Ancient names and surnames

Before the Meiji Restoration, only aristocrats (kuge) and samurai (bushi) had surnames. The rest of the Japanese population was content with personal names and nicknames. Women of aristocratic and samurai families also usually did not have surnames, since they did not have the right of inheritance. In those cases where women did have surnames, they did not change them upon marriage.

Surnames were divided into two groups - the surnames of aristocrats and the surnames of samurai. Unlike the number of samurai surnames, the number of aristocratic surnames has practically not increased since ancient times. Many of them went back to the priestly past of the Japanese aristocracy.

The most respected and respected clans of aristocrats were: Konoe, Takashi, Kujo, Ichijo and Gojo. All of them belonged to the Fujiwara clan and had a common name - “Gosetsuke”. From among the men of this family, regents (sessho) and chancellors (kampaku) of Japan were appointed, and from among the women, wives for the emperors were chosen. The next most important clans were the Hirohata, Daigo, Kuga, Oimikado, Saionji, Sanjo, Imaidegawa, Tokudaji and Kaoin clans. The highest state dignitaries were appointed from among them.

Thus, representatives of the Saionji clan served as imperial grooms (meryo no gogen). Next came all the other aristocratic clans. The hierarchy of nobility of aristocratic families began to take shape in the 6th century and lasted until the end of the 11th century, when power in the country passed to the samurai. Among them, the clans Genji (Minamoto), Heike (Taira), Hojo, Ashikaga, Tokugawa, Matsudaira, Hosokawa, Shimazu, Oda enjoyed special respect. A number of their representatives at different times were shoguns (military rulers) of Japan.

The personal names of aristocrats and high-ranking samurai were formed from two kanji (hieroglyphs) with a “noble” meaning.

Personal names of samurai servants and peasants were often given according to the principle of "numbering". The first son is Ichiro, the second is Jiro, the third is Saburo, the fourth is Shiro, the fifth is Goro, etc. Also, in addition to “-ro”, the suffixes “-emon”, “-ji”, “-zo”, “-suke”, “-be” were used for this purpose.

Upon entering the period of adolescence, the samurai chose a different name for himself than the one given to him at birth. Sometimes samurai changed their names throughout adult life, for example, to emphasize the onset of a new period (promotion or moving to another duty station). The master had the right to rename his vassal.
In cases of serious illness, the name was sometimes changed to that of Amida Buddha to appeal to his mercy. According to the rules of samurai duels, before the fight, the samurai had to say his full name so that the enemy could decide whether he was worthy of such an opponent. Of course, in life this rule was observed much less often than in novels and chronicles.

The suffix "-hime" was added to the end of the names of girls from noble families. It is often translated as "princess", but in fact it was used to refer to all noble ladies. The suffix “-gozen” was used for the names of samurai wives. They were often called simply by their husband's surname and rank. Personal names of married women were practically used only by their close relatives.
For the names of monks and nuns from the noble classes, the suffix “-in” was used.
Modern Japanese names and surnames

During the Meiji Restoration, all Japanese people were given surnames. Naturally, most of them were associated with various signs of peasant life, especially with rice and its processing. These surnames, like the surnames of the upper class, were also usually made up of two kanji.
The most common Japanese surnames today

Suzuki, Tanaka, Yamamoto, Watanabe, Saito, Sato, Sasaki, Kudo, Takahashi, Kobayashi, Kato, Ito, Murakami, Oonishi, Yamaguchi, Nakamura, Kuroki, Higa.

The same hieroglyphs are often found in names as in surnames, and the same phonetic and word-formation patterns apply to names. However, there are much more components included in names than in surnames, although there are certain patterns here too. Names include established components or combinations of components. Names often use hieroglyph readings and nanori readings that are rarely used in modern languages, and often there is no pattern in this.
There is a group of hieroglyphs that in names are consistently read as one ono or kun (among them, the most common are those that have only one reading):
準 jun 準吉 Junkichi
謙 ken 謙蔵 Kenzo:
鉄 tetsu 鉄山 Tetsuzan
鋼 ko: 鋼治 Ko:ji
諸 Moro 諸平 Morohira
Another, more numerous group of hieroglyphs in names uses two or three reading options (1-2 according to kun and 1 according to on), and the pattern of reading choice often depends on the position of the component in the name. For example, the characters 政、光、盛、信、宣 in the position of the second component are usually read according to kun, and the characters 一、七、十、六、吉、作、三郎、太郎 in combination with them are also read according to kun. In combination with hieroglyphs, these signs can be read using it.
Let us now consider the structure and types of Japanese male names
There are many fairly typical one-component names related to vago. They come from the old written final form of the predicative adjective (which ended in si), or from the third (dictionary) stem of the verb, or from the noun. In this case, variable endings are not written in names, only the root-hieroglyph is written.

For example:
博 Hiroshi, 実 Minoru,
正 Tadashi, 薫 Kaoru,
武 Takeshi, 東 Azuma,
雅 Masashi, 登 Noboru.
均 Hitoshi,

Simple names related to kango with readings for on are few.

For example:

竜 Ryu, 順 Jun.

Complex names of two components often include as second (third) elements the characters 郎, 夫, 男, 志, 人, 士, 彦, 司 meaning “man”, “husband”, “warrior”, “ outstanding man", as well as many other second elements.

Second stable components of two-component names
a) Japanese origin
…雄 o “strong, brave, superiority, male” (from osu), ….男o from otoko “man”, …夫 o from otto “husband”. Read according to kun
正男 Masao
和夫 Kazuo
信夫 Nobuo
…哉ya This hieroglyph is found only in male names and previously denoted an exclamation of delight “ah!” Names with this component are read according to kun
澄哉 Sumiya
只哉 Tadaya
…彦 hiko. In ancient times it had the meaning of “prince” and could only be included in the names of noble people. Names with this component feel old-fashioned and lack popularity. Names with this component have a kun reading
紀彦 Norihiko
勝彦 Katsuhiko
…助,…介, …輔 suke. In ancient times, all the hieroglyphs that denote this component meant “assistant” and served as a designation for the position. Names with this component are read according to kun
直助, 直介 Naosuke
…之, …行, …幸 yuki. Names with these components are read according to kun and are considered euphonious, although in everyday communication the yuki component is omitted. The first two hieroglyphs are read non-standardly by Yuki: the first hieroglyph means the indicator of the genitive case in Chineseisms, the second is the benevolent meaning of “happiness”, and the third is “going through life”
直之 Naoyuki
…人, …仁 hito. They mean “man” (the second hieroglyph is read non-standardly, but usually has a different meaning and reading – “philanthropy, humanity”). Names with this ending have a noble connotation, as they are worn by emperors. All names with this component have a kun reading.
康人 Yasuhito
…樹 ki “tree” second component of names with kun reading
直樹 Naoki
茂樹 Shigeki b) of Chinese origin (read by on)
…器 ki “ability”,…機 ki “loom”, …毅 ki “courage, courage, fortitude”, …記 ki “chronicle”, …騎 ki “rider”. All components and, accordingly, names with them are read according to it.
光記 Ko:ki
春機 Shunki
誠器 Seiki
明毅 Meiki
…朗, …郎 ro: “young man.” Basically follows the hieroglyphs-numerals, which reflect the order of birth of sons in the family. Names for the most part read from it.
太郎 Tarot,
二郎 Jiro

...也 this is the reading of the hieroglyph, which in the old written language also meant the connective nari “to be.” Names with this component are read by on.
心也 Xingya

...吾 go-on reading of the hieroglyph with the meaning “I”, “our”, names with it are read according to it
健吾 Kengo

...平, …兵 hey. the second character was included in the names of military positions in the Nara period, but now names with this ending look archaic. Names with this component are read by on.
隼兵 Junpei

…太 ta “fat, big.” Names with this component are read by on and were often used in classical works Japanese writers, belonging to the characters of servants, peasants and conveying the image of a good-natured fat man.
権太Gonta

...志 si ("will, desire"), ...史 si "history", ...士 si "samurai", ...司 si "to manage". Names with these components are read by on, but there are also names with kun readings of the first components, and have very “masculine” meanings.
強志 Tsuyoshi
仁志 Hitoshi
雄司 Yuji

...一 iti "unit". Being in the second position in the name, this hieroglyph means “first (in something).” All names with this component are read by it
英一Eiichi
雄一 Juichi

...二 ji "second", "next", 治 ji "manage", 次 ji "next", 児 ji "child". All these components are probably related to the order in which sons appear in the family, some of them are matched by sound to ona ji - the next one. Names with these components have an onal reading
研次 Kenji
...蔵,..., 造, ...三 dzo: This ending is common among two-syllable names. It is more often used in names read by on, but can also appear in names of Japanese root.

A significant portion of male names with two components do not belong to any of the categories listed above. Among them there are names of Japanese and Chinese origin. Japanese root names are formed by adding noun stems, nouns with an adjective or verb, adjectives with verbs. The components themselves often have benevolent meanings.
貫之 Tsurayuki
広重 Hiroshige
正則 Masanori
There are significantly fewer Chinese root names of this type, and they are combinations of hieroglyphs read in ons. Moreover, the hieroglyphs used in such names and in male names generally have a benevolent meaning
勇吉 Yukichi
啓治 Keiji

There are few three-component names, and most of them are names with stable combinations of two components

Stable components of three-component names
…一郎 ichiro: “first son”
憲一郎 Kenichiro

….太郎 tarot: “eldest son”
竜太郎 Ryu:taro:

…次郎、….二郎 jiro: “second son”
正二郎 Sho:jiro:

…司郎、…志郎、…士郎 shiro:
恵司郎 Keishiro:

…之助, …之輔, …之介、….nosuke (see suke component)
準之助 Junnosuke

Another category of three-component names are names with one stable component 雄, 郎, 彦, 志, etc. from those listed when mentioning two-component names, but forming a complex of two components written in ateji - hieroglyphs by sound (i.e. the Japanese word is written in hieroglyphs that read according to him)
亜紀雄 Akio
伊智郎 Ichiro:
賀津彦 Katsuhiko
左登志 Satoshi

There are few names with four components, mostly these are names with stable final combinations …左衛門 zaemon, …右衛門 emon

Most Japanese female names end in "-ko" ("child") Japanese names and their meanings Japanese name Japan surnames names green yaponiya live or "-mi" ("beauty" Japanese names and their meanings Japanese name Japan surnames names green yaponiya live. Girls, as a rule, are given names that are associated in meaning with everything beautiful, pleasant and feminine.Unlike male names, female names are usually written not in kanji, but in hiragana.

Some modern girls do not like the ending “-ko” in their names and prefer to omit it. For example, a girl named "Yuriko" might call herself "Yuri".

According to a law passed during the time of Emperor Meiji, after marriage, husband and wife are legally required to adopt the same surname. In 98% of cases this is the husband's last name. For several years now, parliament has been discussing an amendment to the Civil Code allowing spouses to keep premarital surnames. However, so far she cannot get the required number of votes. After death, a Japanese person receives a new, posthumous name (kaimyo), which is written on a special wooden tablet (ihai). This tablet is considered to be the embodiment of the spirit of the deceased and is used in funeral rites. Kaimyo and ihai are purchased from Buddhist monks - sometimes even before the person's death.

The surname in Japanese is called "myoji" (苗字 or 名字, "uji" (氏 or "sei" (姓.

The vocabulary of the Japanese language has long been divided into two types: wago (Japanese 和語?) - native Japanese words and kango (Japanese 漢語?) - borrowed from China. Names are also divided into these types, although a new type is now actively expanding - gairaigo (Japanese 外来語?) - words borrowed from other languages, but components of this type are rarely used in names.

Modern Japanese names are divided into the following groups:

Cunnae (consisting of vago)
onny (consisting of kango)
mixed

The ratio of kun and on surnames is approximately 80% to 20%.

The most common surnames in Japan:

Sato (Japanese: 佐藤 Sato:?)
Suzuki (Japanese: 鈴木?)
Takahashi (Japanese: 高橋?)
Tanaka (Japanese: 田中?)
Watanabe (Japanese: 渡辺?)
Ito (Japanese: 伊藤 Ito:?)
Yamamoto (Japanese: 山本?)
Nakamura (Japanese: 中村?)
Ohayashi (Japanese: 小林?)
Kobayashi (Japanese: 小林?) (different surnames, but spelled the same and have approximately the same distribution)
Kato (Japanese: 加藤 Kato:?)

Many surnames, although read according to the onon (Chinese) reading, go back to ancient Japanese words and are written phonetically, and not by meaning.

Examples of such surnames: Kubo (Japanese: 久保?) - from Japanese. kubo (Japanese 窪?) - hole; Sasaki (Japanese 佐々木?) - from the ancient Japanese sasa - small; Abe (Japanese 阿部?) - from the ancient word ape - to connect, mix. If we take into account such surnames, then the number of native Japanese surnames reaches 90%.

For example, the character 木 (“tree”) is read in kun as ki, but in names it can also be read as ko; The character 上 (“up”) can be read in kun as either ue or kami. There are two different surnames, Uemura and Kamimura, which are written the same - 上村. In addition, there are dropouts and fusions of sounds at the junction of components, for example, in the surname Atsumi (Japanese 渥美?), the components individually are read as atsui and umi; and the surname 金成 (kana + nari) is often read simply as Kanari.

When combining hieroglyphs, it is typical to alternate the endings of the first component A/E and O/A - for example, 金 kane - Kanagawa (Japanese 金川?), 白 shiro - Shiraoka (Japanese 白岡?). In addition, the initial syllables of the second component often become voiced, for example 山田 Yamada (yama + ta), 宮崎 Miyazaki (miya + saki). Also, surnames often contain the remainder of the case indicator but or ha (in ancient times it was customary to place them between the first and last names). Usually this indicator is not written, but is read - for example, 一宮 Ichinomiya (ichi + miya); 榎本 Enomoto (e + moto). But sometimes the case indicator is displayed in writing in hiragana, katakana or hieroglyph - for example, 井之上 Inoue (and + but + ue); 木ノ下 Kinoshita (ki + katakana no + shita).

The vast majority of surnames in Japanese consist of two characters; surnames with one or three characters are less common, and surnames with four or more characters are very rare.

One-component surnames are mainly of Japanese origin and are formed from nouns or medial forms of verbs. For example, Watari (Japanese 渡?) - from watari (Japanese 渡り crossing?), 　Hata (Japanese 畑?) - the word hata means “plantation, vegetable garden.” Significantly less common are surnames consisting of one hieroglyph. For example, Cho (Japanese 兆 Cho:?) means “trillion”, In (Japanese 因?) means “reason”.

The majority of Japanese surnames consisting of two components are reported as 60-70%. Of these, the majority are surnames from Japanese roots - it is believed that such surnames are the easiest to read, since most of them are read according to the usual kuns used in the language. Examples - Matsumoto (Japanese 松本?) - consists of the nouns matsu “pine” and moto “root” used in the language; Kiyomizu (Japanese 清水?) - consists of the adjective stem 清い kiyoi - “pure” and the noun 水 mizu - “water”. Chinese two-part surnames are less numerous and usually have one single reading. Often Chinese surnames contain numbers from one to six (excluding four 四, since this number is read in the same way as “death” 死 si and they try not to use it). Examples: Ichijo: (Japanese: 一条?), Saito: (Japanese: 斉藤?). There are also mixed surnames, where one component is read as on, and the other as kun. Examples: Honda (Japanese 本田?), hon - “base” (on reading) + ta - “rice field” (kun reading); Betsumiya (Japanese 別宮?), betsu - “special, different” (on reading) + miya - “temple” (kun reading). Also, a very small part of surnames can be read both in onam and kun: 坂西 Banzai and Sakanishi, 宮内 Kunai and Miyauchi.

Three-component surnames often contain Japanese roots written phonetically. Examples: 久保田 "Kubota (probably the word 窪 kubo "hole" is written phonetically as 久保, 阿久津 Akutsu (probably the word 明く aku "to open" is written phonetically as 阿久. However, ordinary three-component surnames consisting of three kun readings are also common. Examples: 矢田部 Yatabe , 小野木 Onoki There are also three-component surnames with Chinese reading.

Four or more component surnames are very rare.

There are surnames with very unusual readings that look like puzzles. Examples: 十八女 Wakairo - written in hieroglyphs for “eighteen-year-old girl”, and read as 若色 “young + color”; The surname denoted by the hieroglyph 一 “one” is read as Ninomae, which can be translated as 二の前 ni no mae “before two”; and the surname 穂積 Hozue, which can be interpreted as “gathering ears of grain,” is sometimes written as 八月一日 “the first day of the eighth lunar month” - apparently the harvest began on this day in ancient times.
Russian female names in Japanese:

Alexandra – (protector) – Mamoka
Alice – (from the noble class) – Yoizokumi
Alla – (other) – Sonota
Anastasia – (resurrected) – Fukkatsumi
Anna – (mercy, grace) – Jihiko
Antonina – (spatial) – Sorariko
Anfisa – (blooming) – Kaika, – Sakura
Valentina – (strong) – Tsuyoi
Barbara – (cruel) – Zankokumi
Vasilisa – (royal) – Joteiko
Faith – (faith) – Shinkori
Victoria – (winner) – Shori
Galina – (clarity) – Tomei
Daria – (great fire) – Ohiko
Evgeniya – (noble) – Yoiidenko
Catherine – (purity, spotlessness) – Koheiri
Elena – (light) – Hikari
Elizabeth – (worshipper of God) – Keikenna
Zinaida – (born of God) – Kamigauma
Zoya – (life) – Sei, – Inoti
Inna – (stormy stream) – Hayakawa
Irina – (peace or anger) – Sekai, – Ikari
Karina – (darling) – Kawaimi
Kira – (Mistress) – Fujinka
Claudia – (limping) – Ramejo
Ksenia – (wanderer, stranger) – Horomi
Larisa – (seagull) – Kamome
Lydia – (sad song) – Nageki
Love - (love) - Ay, - Ayumi
Lyudmila – (dear to people) – Tanomi
Margarita – (pearl) – Shinjuka, – Tamae
Marina – (sea) – Maritaimi
Maria – (bitter, stubborn) – Nigai
Hope – (hope) – Nozomi
Natalya – (born, native) – Umari
Nina – (queen) – Queenmi
Oksana – (inhospitable) – Aisonaku
Olesya – (forest) – Ringyoko
Olga – (light) – Hikari
Polina – (destroying, destroying) – Hakaina
Raisa – (heavenly, light, submissive) – Tenshimi
Svetlana – (light) – Hikaru
Seraphim – (flaming snake) – Honooryumi
Snezhana – (snowy) – Yuki, Yukiko
Sophia – (wise) – Kasikomi
Tamara – (palm) – Yashimi
Tatyana – (mistress) – Joshiko
Ulyana – (righteous) – Tadashimi
Julia - (wavy, fluffy) - Hajoka, - Nami
Yana - (God's grace) - Dzihiri

Feminine endings for names: -i, -mi, -ko, -ri, -yo, -e, -ki, -ra, -ka, -na.
An article about this list of names, with another list of Russian names in Japanese.

Russian male names in Japanese:

Alexander - (defender) 守る - Mamoru
Alexey – (assistant) 　―助け - Taske
Anatoly – (sunrise) 東 - Higashi
Andrey – (courageous, brave) – 勇気オYukio
Anton – (competing) –力士– Rikishi
Arkady - (happy country) – 幸国 - Shiavakuni
Artem – (unharmed, impeccable health) 安全– Anzen
Arthur – (big bear) 大熊 - Okuma
Boris – (fighting) – 等式 - Toshiki
Vadim – (proving)　―　証明 - Shomei
Valentine – (strong, healthy) - 強し - Tsuyoshi
Valery – (vigorous, healthy) – 元気等 - Genkito
Vasily – (royal) – 王部 - Obu
Victor – (winner) – 勝利者 - Serisha
Vitaly (life) – 生きる - Ikiru
Vladimir (ruler of the world) – 平和主 - Heiwanushi
Vyacheslav (illustrious) –　輝かし - Kagayakashi
Gennady – (noble, well-born) – 膏血- Koketsu
George (farmer) – 農夫 - Nofu
Gleb (block, pole) -ブロック- Burokku
Gregory (awake) - 目を覚まし　―Meosamashi
Daniel (God's judgment) - 神コート- Kamikoto
Demyan – (conqueror, pacifier) ​​– 征服者 - Seifuku
Denis – (vital forces of nature) – 自然力 - Shizenryoku
Dmitry (earthly fruit) – 果実 - Kajitsu
Eugene (noble) - 良遺伝子 - Ryoidenshi
Egor (patron of agriculture) – 地主 - Jinushi
Emelyan – (flattering, pleasant in words) - 甘言 - Kangen
Efim (blessed) - 恵まろ-Megumaro
Ivan - (God's grace) - 神の恩寵 - Kaminooncho
Igor – (militancy, courage) – 有事路Yujiro
Ilya - (the fortress of the Lord) - 要塞主 - Yosaishu
Cyril – (lord of the sun) - 太陽の領主 - Taiyonoryoshyu
Constantine (regular) - 永続 - Eizoku
Leo (lion) – 獅子オ - Shishio
Leonidas (son of the lion) – 獅子急 - Shishikyu
Maxim (great) - 全くし - Mattakushi
Michael (god-like) - 神図 - Kamizu
Mark (hammer) - Tsuchiro
Nikita (victorious) - 勝利と - Shorito
Nicholas (victory of the people) - 人の勝利 - Hitonosori
Oleg (light) - 光ろ - Hikaro
Pavel (small) - 小子 - Shoshi
Peter (stone) - 石 - Ishi
Roman (Roman) -ローマン - Roman
Ruslan (solid lion) - 獅子ハード - Shishihado
Stanislav (to become famous) - 有名なる - Yumeinaru
Stepan (crown, wreath, crown) - 花輪ろ - Hanawaro
Yuri (creator) -やり手 - Yarite
Yaroslav (bright glory) - 明る名 - Akarumei

Male endings of names: -o, -go, -hiko, -ro, -ru, -si, -ki, -ke, -zu, -ya, -ti, -iti, -mu, -to, -hey, - boo, -n, -ta, -sa, -give.

How to Determine Your Japanese Hipster Name

Today I saw a funny version of how you can determine your Japanese name. True, there is a certain point, this is not just a name, but a hipster name. And if you consider yourself a hipster deep down, or a hipster on the outside, you'll be interested in knowing your name.

Open the picture in full size, find your birth month and date. Add up the resulting words and this is your Japanese name.

Composing a harmonious combination of surname and name for the Japanese is a complex science with long traditions. In Japan, there is a special set of names consisting of more than two thousand hieroglyphs. Until now, parents turn to specialists - compilers of Japanese names. Usually the names of boys and girls living in the same village are never repeated.

There is no concept of “namesake” in Japan. The Japanese did not even have the concept of “ fashionable names", with the exception of "ordinal" male names. This may be due to the fact that the Japanese use their surnames much more often than their personal names.

First Last Name, then First Name

Japanese names consist of two parts: the family name, which is written and pronounced first, and the personal name, which, according to Eastern tradition, comes second. Modern Japanese often write their names in “European order” (personal name and then clan surname) if they write them in Romaji (Latin) or Kiriji (Cyrillic). For convenience, the Japanese sometimes write their surname in capital letters so that it is not confused with their given name.

Europeans, who rarely pay attention to the etymology of their own names, constantly face difficulties associated with reading, translating and transcribing Japanese names and surnames. Modern Japanese can tell you how to read their names, but they do not always dare to translate nominal characters into foreign languages. The Japanese are creative when it comes to the names of foreigners: Svetlana may not recognize herself in “Suetorana” or Carmen will not immediately respond to the Japanese “Karumen”.

How did the surnames come about?

Until the second half of the 19th century, only aristocrats (kuge) and samurai (bushi) had surnames in Japan. The rest of the Japanese population went by personal names and nicknames. The number of aristocratic families in Japan is limited and has remained unchanged since antiquity. The most notable clans of Japanese aristocrats are the Fujiwara clan, collectively called “Gosetsuke”: Konoe, Takashi, Kujo, Ichijo and Gojo. In modern Japan, there are about one hundred thousand surnames, of which more than seventy thousand appeared only 130 years ago.

During the Meiji era ("Enlightened Reign") from 1868-1911. Emperor Mutsuhito ordered all Japanese peasants, artisans and merchants to choose any surname. Some Japanese, instead of their surname, wrote down the name of the city or village in which they lived, others “for the surname” took the name of the store or workshop in which they worked. Creative people came up with sonorous surnames for themselves.

Most of the surnames of modern Japanese are associated with peasant life, rice growing and processing. For example, the surname Hakamada consists of two characters: “hakama” (the lower part of a traditional Japanese suit, men’s pants or a woman’s skirt) and “da” (“rice field”). Judging by the “peasant” meaning of the hieroglyphs, it can be assumed that Irina Khakamada’s ancestors were field workers.

In Japan, you can meet people with the common surname Ito and exactly the same name Ito (translated as “dandy, dandy, Italy”). But such coincidences are very rare.
The only exception is Emperor Akihito ("Showing Mercy") and his family members. The “symbol of the nation” of Japan never had a surname.

Samurai names

In the 12th century, the first military usurper in the history of Japan was the shogun-samurai Minamoto no Yoritomo, or Yoritomo of the Minamoto clan (translated as “source”), who marked the beginning of the formation of a privileged class of samurai.

Samurai chose their personal names depending on their life circumstances: promotion, relocation due to service, etc. The fall of the last Tokugawa ("River of Virtue") shogunate and the transfer of power to Emperor Mutsuhito secured the exclusive privileges of the military for many years.

Until the 19th century, in addition to complete impunity and the possibility of easy money, samurai had the right to give names to their vassals. The names of samurai servants and peasants were often given “in order”: Ichiro - first son, Jiro - second, Saburo - third, Shiro - fourth, Goro - fifth, etc. In addition to “-ro”, the suffixes “-emon”, “-ji”, “-zo”, “-suke”, “-be” were used.

Modern Japanese male names also carry information about the “serial number” of the son in the family. The suffixes “-ichi” and “-kazu” (“first son”), “-ji” (“second son”) and “-zo” (“third son”) are still often used in Japanese male names.

It is not customary for the emperors of Japan to be called the same and distinguished by serial number, like commoners. According to the old tradition, the names of Japanese emperors are composed with the second character “compassion, mercy, sympathy.” Emperor Mutsuhito's name is a combination of two characters for "friendly, warm" and "compassionate". Emperor Hirohito, who ruled Japan from 1926 to 1989, was raised by samurai, veterans of the Russo-Japanese War.

After the collapse of the empire, the nuclear bombing of the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the complete and unconditional surrender of Hirohito (approximately - “Abundant Mercy”), in a state of “deep shock,” showed compassion for his own people, appealed to the mercy of the victors and renounced his divine origin.

Since the 19th and 20th centuries, rich and influential samurai have retained the highest positions in civil and military administration. Others became the founders of Japanese entrepreneurship. Part of the creative intelligentsia was formed from the samurai environment. All personal names of aristocrats and high-ranking samurai consisted of two hieroglyphs with a “noble” meaning.

For example, the name of the son of military instructor Kurosawa (“Black Swamp”) Akira (“light”, “clear”) can be roughly translated into Russian as “light in the darkness” or “illumination”. Perhaps only thanks to the aptly given name, an artist by training, Akira Kurosawa became a director, a classic of Japanese and world cinema, changing our understanding of the world (“swamp”).

Most Japanese girl names end in "-ko" ("child") or "-mi" ("beauty"). Japanese women are often given names associated with everything beautiful, pleasant and feminine, graceful.
Unlike male names, female names are usually written not in “solemn” characters, but simply in hiragana (the Japanese alphabet used to write Chinese and Japanese words).

So, a new list of names

New generations of educated Japanese parents have long sought to expand the old list of nominal characters in order to create completely new, interesting and original names to my children. In September 2004, the Japanese received an additional list - more than 500 hieroglyphs to compile the official name of little Japanese.

The new list of personal characters, compiled in the offices of the Japanese Ministry of Justice, included very extravagant characters. Among the “new products” appeared hieroglyphs with strange meanings for names: “beetle”, “frog”, “spider”, “turnip”.

The child-loving Japanese were seriously indignant. Then the Ministry of Justice of Japan urgently announced that several strange hieroglyphs were excluded from the new list of names: “cancerous tumor”, “prostitute”, “buttock”, “hemorrhoids”, “curse”, “debauchery”, “malice”, etc. Some citizens The countries of the rising sun reacted to the “name scandal” with complete indifference.

In modern Japan, every adult Japanese can take a pseudonym, and after death, almost all Japanese receive new, posthumous names (kaimyo), which are written on a special wooden tablet (ihai) - the embodiment of the spirit of the deceased. Most Japanese believe in reincarnation and try not to worry about the fleeting little things in life, even something as important as a personal name. Perhaps this is why the Japanese rarely give their children the names of their venerable ancestors.

Common Japanese surnames and their meanings

The following table provides a list of the most common Japanese surnames along with characters, readings and their meanings in Russian as of April 2010.

As already written in the article about Japanese names, you may notice that most Japanese surnames mean various rural landscapes.